By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 16, 2007 - Six U.S. military members recognized by a local patriotic organization for their overseas service in the war on terror also received Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates' personal thanks here yesterday evening. "You are the best, and we all owe you. And, in all sincerity, we're all humbled by you," Gates told the Grateful Nation Award recipients at the start of his remarks at the Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs' annual award dinner.
"It's surreal," Grateful Nation Award honoree Army Reserve Staff Sgt. Jason T. Fetty said of his meeting with Gates. He said the experience was "an incredible honor."
Fetty received the Silver Star for actions in Afghanistan in February, when he stopped a suicide bomber from killing hundreds of innocent people at a hospital opening in Khost. The staff sergeant forcibly maneuvered the would-be killer away from the crowd when the bomb went off.
Fetty, who's recovering from his wounds from the blast, said he was pleased to learn later that the grateful Afghans had staged a huge anti-Taliban demonstration after the incident.
Other 2007 Grateful Nation Award recipients are:
-- Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Jose Romero,
-- Navy Lt. Seth A. Stone,
-- Coast Guard Petty Officer 1st Class Jesse K. Gitchel,
-- Air Force Staff Sgt. Elizabeth C. Spradley, and
-- Air Force Staff Sgt. Ryan A. Wallace.
It was "terrific" to visit with the servicemembers, Gates said as he thanked each one prior to the start of the dinner. "It's such an honor to be with them and meet them," he said.
Spradley, an explosive ordnance disposal technician, helped clear more than 5,000 miles of Iraqi roads from improvised explosive devices during her recent tour of duty in Kirkuk. She participated in 170 high-risk missions and neutralized 35 improvised explosive devices and two car bombs.
"We would disarm and mitigate any hazards along the roadways in Iraq," Spradley recalled, noting she was too focused on her missions to be distracted by the danger.
She said meeting the defense secretary and receiving the JINSA award "truly are an honor."
Stone, a Navy SEAL special warfare operations specialist, earned two Silver Stars and a Bronze Star with a "V" device for valor for service in Ramadi, Iraq, in September 2006, where he led his team in fighting off a group of insurgents that threatened to destroy another SEAL unit.
Coast Guardsman Gitchel was in temporary command of a 110-foot-long cutter when he and his crew stared down a group of Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps-crewed ships in the North Arabian Gulf in August 2007. The Iranians were threatening Iraqi oil rigs.
Romero served with distinction in combat with a tank battalion that participated in the drive to Baghdad during Operation Iraqi Freedom in the spring of 2003. Afterward, he became a renowned Marine drill instructor noted for his leadership and team-building skills used in molding the lives of young Marines.
Wallace is an air combat controller who earned the Silver Star medal for more than 24 hours of continuous work calling in airstrikes against insurgents during combat in Najaf, Iraq, during his October 2006 to April 2007 service in Iraq. About 250 insurgents were killed in the battle.
"It was a surprise, and it is an honor, as well," Wallace said of receiving the Grateful Nation Award. Meeting Gates was an awesome experience, he added.
Gates received the Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs Henry M. Jackson award for his contributions to national security as a former career Central Intelligence Agency officer who worked his way up to director. Later, Gates was a key national security advisor, and he now serves as defense secretary. Previous Jackson Award recipients include Vice President Richard B. Cheney and former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Peter Pace.
Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Marine Gen. James E. Cartwright assisted David P. Steinmann, chairman of JINSA's board of advisors, during the Grateful Nation Award ceremony. Cartwright saluted the awardees as well as all U.S. servicemen and women engaged in the war against terrorism.
"These young people will just flat knock your socks off," the four-star general said. "They are our greatest generation and our greatest treasure, and we should never forget that."
"I think nothing gives JINSA greater institutional gratification than tonight," Steinmann said before the servicemembers' award ceremony. "We need our Grateful Nation Award winners. They represent the best that our country can produce.
"We need to be reminded that our country produces men and women like this," Steinmann said.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Monday, October 15, 2007
JTF Bravo Runs 388 Miles in Remembrance of POW/MIAs
By Tech. Sgt. Sonny Cohrs, USAF
Special to American Forces Press Service
Oct. 15, 2007 - Soldiers, airmen and sailors here completed a remembrance run Oct. 12 in honor of prisoners of war and those missing in action. About 170 runners took part in the 24-hour event at the base track. Laps were completed with each runner carrying a baton and reflecting on the sacrifice of those who are listed as POW or MIA. The runners logged a cumulative distance of 388 miles, with the ceremonial baton traveling 168 miles during the event.
"Each base organization had points of contacts who organized the volunteer runners," said Air Force Master Sgt. Daryl Brunelle, Soto Cano fire chief, who helped organize and plan the event. "The first group and the last group carried the POW/MIA flag, and the rest of the runners kept the baton moving throughout the night."
Air Force Col. Howard Jones, deputy commander of Joint Task Force Bravo, said the purpose of the ceremony was to remember those "who have endured special hardships and who have seen combat, and even human nature, from a very unique perspective."
"We're proud to demonstrate our strong bond to them and each other with a 24-hour run," he said. "Our remembrance, our recognition and our running tie us to something much larger than ourselves. POWs and MIAs still express the essence of what service to a higher calling really means."
During the run, at least two servicemembers went the "extra mile" to honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Brandon Williford, 612th Air Base Squadron, ran a total of 26.25 miles, and Army Sgt. Pete Schaffer ran a total of 29.5 miles during the event.
Williford said he credits his distance to his marathon training prior to his assignment to Soto Cano. "I had been training last year, and I ran a half-marathon in February," he said. "I felt really good after 12 miles. I figured I could split it up and do it as many (short) blocks."
Schaffer, who completed a 32-mile, two-day road march earlier this year, ran 14 laps with the baton and then paced himself as if it were a road march, putting "one foot in front of the other," he said. The sergeant said he stopped only for short naps and food between 8:15 p.m. and 9 a.m., the next morning.
"We're doing this in remembrance of all the POWs and MIAs," he said. "They were malnourished, beaten and had no sleep. They continued to push themselves through all of that, so there's no reason I couldn't push myself in memory of them."
The event had special meaning for Air Force Tech. Sgt. Mike Reynolds, 612th ABS. The remains of his great, great grandfather, Pvt. Wilson Wilkes Dozier, were identified last month in a Kentucky cemetery.
Private Dozier served during the Civil War with the Scoggins Light Artillery Battalion from Georgia and died on Sept. 23, 1862 from "black measles," which is believed to be an early form of Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
"He was buried in an unmarked grave for 145 years," Reynolds said. "My grandfather started research 60 years ago, and we finished what he started. On Sept. 21, POW/MIA Day this year, he got a headstone."
Reynolds, who also helped organize the ceremony here, said he has always enjoyed planning POW/MIA recognition events. "My dad was a fighter jock in Vietnam and his best friend was lost over Laos. One of my earliest memories was the blue sedan pulling up to tell his family," he recalled of his days living in base housing as a military dependent.
(Air Force Tech. Sgt. Sonny Cohrs is assigned to Joint Task Force Bravo Public Affairs.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Oct. 15, 2007 - Soldiers, airmen and sailors here completed a remembrance run Oct. 12 in honor of prisoners of war and those missing in action. About 170 runners took part in the 24-hour event at the base track. Laps were completed with each runner carrying a baton and reflecting on the sacrifice of those who are listed as POW or MIA. The runners logged a cumulative distance of 388 miles, with the ceremonial baton traveling 168 miles during the event.
"Each base organization had points of contacts who organized the volunteer runners," said Air Force Master Sgt. Daryl Brunelle, Soto Cano fire chief, who helped organize and plan the event. "The first group and the last group carried the POW/MIA flag, and the rest of the runners kept the baton moving throughout the night."
Air Force Col. Howard Jones, deputy commander of Joint Task Force Bravo, said the purpose of the ceremony was to remember those "who have endured special hardships and who have seen combat, and even human nature, from a very unique perspective."
"We're proud to demonstrate our strong bond to them and each other with a 24-hour run," he said. "Our remembrance, our recognition and our running tie us to something much larger than ourselves. POWs and MIAs still express the essence of what service to a higher calling really means."
During the run, at least two servicemembers went the "extra mile" to honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Brandon Williford, 612th Air Base Squadron, ran a total of 26.25 miles, and Army Sgt. Pete Schaffer ran a total of 29.5 miles during the event.
Williford said he credits his distance to his marathon training prior to his assignment to Soto Cano. "I had been training last year, and I ran a half-marathon in February," he said. "I felt really good after 12 miles. I figured I could split it up and do it as many (short) blocks."
Schaffer, who completed a 32-mile, two-day road march earlier this year, ran 14 laps with the baton and then paced himself as if it were a road march, putting "one foot in front of the other," he said. The sergeant said he stopped only for short naps and food between 8:15 p.m. and 9 a.m., the next morning.
"We're doing this in remembrance of all the POWs and MIAs," he said. "They were malnourished, beaten and had no sleep. They continued to push themselves through all of that, so there's no reason I couldn't push myself in memory of them."
The event had special meaning for Air Force Tech. Sgt. Mike Reynolds, 612th ABS. The remains of his great, great grandfather, Pvt. Wilson Wilkes Dozier, were identified last month in a Kentucky cemetery.
Private Dozier served during the Civil War with the Scoggins Light Artillery Battalion from Georgia and died on Sept. 23, 1862 from "black measles," which is believed to be an early form of Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
"He was buried in an unmarked grave for 145 years," Reynolds said. "My grandfather started research 60 years ago, and we finished what he started. On Sept. 21, POW/MIA Day this year, he got a headstone."
Reynolds, who also helped organize the ceremony here, said he has always enjoyed planning POW/MIA recognition events. "My dad was a fighter jock in Vietnam and his best friend was lost over Laos. One of my earliest memories was the blue sedan pulling up to tell his family," he recalled of his days living in base housing as a military dependent.
(Air Force Tech. Sgt. Sonny Cohrs is assigned to Joint Task Force Bravo Public Affairs.)
Senior Advisor to Deputy Secretary Focuses on Relationship Building
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 15, 2007 - If Hesham Islam's life story was translated into a screenplay -- and it's got all the makings of a Hollywood blockbuster -- the director would be hard-pressed to come up with a more compelling chain of events landing him as a top advisor to the deputy defense secretary. The movie would open with Islam as a young boy growing up in Cairo, Egypt, huddling in terror as Israeli bombs came raining down, demolishing much of the building around him and his family.
Next would be the scene of the teenager who moves to Iraq when his Egyptian naval officer father is transferred to help establish the Arabian Gulf naval academy Islam would later attend.
The camera would then close in on a young merchant mariner adrift for three days in the Arabian Sea after an Iranian torpedo sunk his 16,000-ton cargo ship, drowning all but Islam and four of his crewmates.
Next viewers would see the young man, who after corresponding with an American pen-pal for more than three years, dares ask for the photograph that leaves him smitten with his future wife.
The action would shift to the United States, where the new husband, desperate to provide for his family, enlists in the Navy. Later he will be accepted into Officer Candidate School, then ultimately retire 20 years later as a Navy commander.
Today, Islam is drawing on those vast experiences to advise Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon England on international affairs.
Although Islam's life lends itself to high-drama scenes typically seen on the big screen, England sees him more as a behind-the-scenes player with a special talent for bringing other actors together.
Before retiring from the Navy, Islam contributed this skill and his regional and language expertise on the staff of then-Navy Secretary England. Much of Islam's work focused on U.S. military engagement with the Middle East.
As England moved to the No. 2 Pentagon position, Islam followed, broadening his purview to "the whole globe."
"He's my interlocutor," England said. "He represents me to the international community. He assists me in my own outreach efforts, and he's extraordinarily good at it."
Islam is rarely at his Pentagon desk, believing the best way to serve as England's "man out in town in Washington, D.C." is to be out and about, building relationships.
"I am a strong believer that there are no relationships between countries," he said. "Relationships are between people, and those relationships are what bring countries together."
"It is all about friendships between people," agreed England, "and you build them one person at a time."
England calls relationship building "a contact sport." "You can't develop friendships unless you actually go out and take the effort to meet people and interact with people," he said.
As he represents the Defense Department around the country and the around the world, England said, he counts on Islam's insights and advice. "Hesham helps me understand people's different perspectives and how they see things," England said. "He has a cultural background that's very helpful, but he also works at it very hard to get a better understanding of people and how they think."
Islam works tirelessly to befriend diplomats from around the world, learning from each about their country, its sensitivities, and its requirements. "I help them understand us, as Americans, and help my boss understand them," he said. "My goal is to bridge the gap and help people understand each other, even if we are different."
Not all Islam's efforts are directed toward other countries. A Muslim, Islam works closely with the Muslim-American community, encouraging its members to integrate into American society and take an active stand with the United States in the war on violent extremism. "This war can't be won by just Americans," he said. "It's a war that has to be fought by Muslims. Islam has been hijacked, and it is time to take it back."
Islam said he's proud of the 5,000 Muslims actively supporting that effort in the U.S. military. Among them is his own son, Navy Lt. j.g. Rami Islam, who serves aboard the carrier USS Carl Vinson. "As a parent, I'm very proud that my son is serving this country," he said.
After growing up in wartime, first in Egypt, then in Iraq, Islam hopes this dialogue can help eliminate differences that can lead to misunderstanding and conflict. "If people talk, people don't fight. If they talk, they don't argue," he said. "I try to bring talking and understanding into the dialogue."
"Hesham has wonderful friendships and relationships, and therefore he can give me extraordinarily good advice in dealing with countries and people," England said. "I take his advice, and I listen to him all the time."
England said he rarely disagrees with Islam's guidance. "After all," he said, "if you have a good doctor, you listen to your doctor, right?"
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 15, 2007 - If Hesham Islam's life story was translated into a screenplay -- and it's got all the makings of a Hollywood blockbuster -- the director would be hard-pressed to come up with a more compelling chain of events landing him as a top advisor to the deputy defense secretary. The movie would open with Islam as a young boy growing up in Cairo, Egypt, huddling in terror as Israeli bombs came raining down, demolishing much of the building around him and his family.
Next would be the scene of the teenager who moves to Iraq when his Egyptian naval officer father is transferred to help establish the Arabian Gulf naval academy Islam would later attend.
The camera would then close in on a young merchant mariner adrift for three days in the Arabian Sea after an Iranian torpedo sunk his 16,000-ton cargo ship, drowning all but Islam and four of his crewmates.
Next viewers would see the young man, who after corresponding with an American pen-pal for more than three years, dares ask for the photograph that leaves him smitten with his future wife.
The action would shift to the United States, where the new husband, desperate to provide for his family, enlists in the Navy. Later he will be accepted into Officer Candidate School, then ultimately retire 20 years later as a Navy commander.
Today, Islam is drawing on those vast experiences to advise Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon England on international affairs.
Although Islam's life lends itself to high-drama scenes typically seen on the big screen, England sees him more as a behind-the-scenes player with a special talent for bringing other actors together.
Before retiring from the Navy, Islam contributed this skill and his regional and language expertise on the staff of then-Navy Secretary England. Much of Islam's work focused on U.S. military engagement with the Middle East.
As England moved to the No. 2 Pentagon position, Islam followed, broadening his purview to "the whole globe."
"He's my interlocutor," England said. "He represents me to the international community. He assists me in my own outreach efforts, and he's extraordinarily good at it."
Islam is rarely at his Pentagon desk, believing the best way to serve as England's "man out in town in Washington, D.C." is to be out and about, building relationships.
"I am a strong believer that there are no relationships between countries," he said. "Relationships are between people, and those relationships are what bring countries together."
"It is all about friendships between people," agreed England, "and you build them one person at a time."
England calls relationship building "a contact sport." "You can't develop friendships unless you actually go out and take the effort to meet people and interact with people," he said.
As he represents the Defense Department around the country and the around the world, England said, he counts on Islam's insights and advice. "Hesham helps me understand people's different perspectives and how they see things," England said. "He has a cultural background that's very helpful, but he also works at it very hard to get a better understanding of people and how they think."
Islam works tirelessly to befriend diplomats from around the world, learning from each about their country, its sensitivities, and its requirements. "I help them understand us, as Americans, and help my boss understand them," he said. "My goal is to bridge the gap and help people understand each other, even if we are different."
Not all Islam's efforts are directed toward other countries. A Muslim, Islam works closely with the Muslim-American community, encouraging its members to integrate into American society and take an active stand with the United States in the war on violent extremism. "This war can't be won by just Americans," he said. "It's a war that has to be fought by Muslims. Islam has been hijacked, and it is time to take it back."
Islam said he's proud of the 5,000 Muslims actively supporting that effort in the U.S. military. Among them is his own son, Navy Lt. j.g. Rami Islam, who serves aboard the carrier USS Carl Vinson. "As a parent, I'm very proud that my son is serving this country," he said.
After growing up in wartime, first in Egypt, then in Iraq, Islam hopes this dialogue can help eliminate differences that can lead to misunderstanding and conflict. "If people talk, people don't fight. If they talk, they don't argue," he said. "I try to bring talking and understanding into the dialogue."
"Hesham has wonderful friendships and relationships, and therefore he can give me extraordinarily good advice in dealing with countries and people," England said. "I take his advice, and I listen to him all the time."
England said he rarely disagrees with Islam's guidance. "After all," he said, "if you have a good doctor, you listen to your doctor, right?"
USS Fort McHenry Mission to Set Tone for U.S. Africa Command
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 15, 2007 - USS Fort McHenry is slated to leave Little Creek, Va., tomorrow for a seven-month deployment to the Gulf of Guinea that the chief of U.S. Africa Command said will exemplify how his new command will operate. The amphibious dock landing ship will serve as a platform for the Africa Partnership Station Initiative, which aims to work cooperatively with U.S. and international partners in promoting maritime security in Western Africa, Army Gen. William E. "Kip" Ward told Pentagon reporters.
USS Fort McHenry will sail to Spain to take on passengers from several European partners -- Spain, the United Kingdom, Portugal and Germany, among them -- before heading to the Gulf of Guinea, explained Navy Adm. Henry G. "Harry" Ulrich III, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Europe.
Its full complement will include representatives of U.S. and partner nations' government agencies and non-governmental organizations, all working together to help African nations increase their ability to provide maritime security.
In addition to the U.S. military, U.S. agencies to participate will be the State Department, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Agency for International Development, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and U.S. Coast Guard, Ulrich said.
High Speed Vessel Swift will join USS Fort McHenry in the Gulf of Guinea, where it will transport students as well as trainers during visits to Senegal, Liberia, Ghana, Cameroon, Gabon, and Sao Tome and Principe, he said.
Training teams will focus on a broad range of areas, including maritime domain awareness, leadership, seamanship and navigation, maritime law enforcement, search and rescue, civil engineering and logistics.
Support provided will vary between visits, Ward said. He emphasized that the Africa Partnership Station Initiative and AFRICOM as a whole will strive to help African countries build capacity. "Those things that are within our means to do, we look forward in working with the African nations in providing that kind of assistance," he said.
The new initiative "provides a good example of what the newly established U.S. Africa Command is all about as it relates to helping our partner nations on the continent of Africa build their capacity to better govern their spaces (and) to have more effect in providing for the security of their people," he said.
In addition, Ward said, the Africa Partnership Station Initiative will help globalize African economies and develop societies for the betterment of their people.
AFRICOM declared itself to have initial operating capability Oct. 1 and began bringing the military's activities on the continent under its umbrella.
Ward said the command will give a "consolidated focus" to work currently being conducted by three combatant commands: U.S. Central Command, U.S. Pacific Command and U.S. European Command.
"As we work over the course of the coming weeks and months to stand up the command, we are focused on building the team that will cause value added to be brought to the various programs we do on the continent," he said.
Ward said AFRICOM will reinforce efforts under way "by creating a greater synergy of the entirety of the work being done."
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 15, 2007 - USS Fort McHenry is slated to leave Little Creek, Va., tomorrow for a seven-month deployment to the Gulf of Guinea that the chief of U.S. Africa Command said will exemplify how his new command will operate. The amphibious dock landing ship will serve as a platform for the Africa Partnership Station Initiative, which aims to work cooperatively with U.S. and international partners in promoting maritime security in Western Africa, Army Gen. William E. "Kip" Ward told Pentagon reporters.
USS Fort McHenry will sail to Spain to take on passengers from several European partners -- Spain, the United Kingdom, Portugal and Germany, among them -- before heading to the Gulf of Guinea, explained Navy Adm. Henry G. "Harry" Ulrich III, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Europe.
Its full complement will include representatives of U.S. and partner nations' government agencies and non-governmental organizations, all working together to help African nations increase their ability to provide maritime security.
In addition to the U.S. military, U.S. agencies to participate will be the State Department, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Agency for International Development, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and U.S. Coast Guard, Ulrich said.
High Speed Vessel Swift will join USS Fort McHenry in the Gulf of Guinea, where it will transport students as well as trainers during visits to Senegal, Liberia, Ghana, Cameroon, Gabon, and Sao Tome and Principe, he said.
Training teams will focus on a broad range of areas, including maritime domain awareness, leadership, seamanship and navigation, maritime law enforcement, search and rescue, civil engineering and logistics.
Support provided will vary between visits, Ward said. He emphasized that the Africa Partnership Station Initiative and AFRICOM as a whole will strive to help African countries build capacity. "Those things that are within our means to do, we look forward in working with the African nations in providing that kind of assistance," he said.
The new initiative "provides a good example of what the newly established U.S. Africa Command is all about as it relates to helping our partner nations on the continent of Africa build their capacity to better govern their spaces (and) to have more effect in providing for the security of their people," he said.
In addition, Ward said, the Africa Partnership Station Initiative will help globalize African economies and develop societies for the betterment of their people.
AFRICOM declared itself to have initial operating capability Oct. 1 and began bringing the military's activities on the continent under its umbrella.
Ward said the command will give a "consolidated focus" to work currently being conducted by three combatant commands: U.S. Central Command, U.S. Pacific Command and U.S. European Command.
"As we work over the course of the coming weeks and months to stand up the command, we are focused on building the team that will cause value added to be brought to the various programs we do on the continent," he said.
Ward said AFRICOM will reinforce efforts under way "by creating a greater synergy of the entirety of the work being done."
Science Program Celebrates 50 Years of Sharing
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 15, 2007 - The P-51 Mustang was just an average fighter until a British Merlin engine was placed in the American airframe. Then the plane dominated the skies over World War II Europe. This kind of exchange is at the heart of The Technical Cooperation Program now celebrating its 50th year of existence. The program brings together experts from the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and New Zealand to cooperate in defense science and technology applications.
"No country knows everything," a senior program official speaking on background said recently. "Especially in this era of globalization, we have to understand that not every solution will be 'made in America.'"
From its inception in 1957 as an agreement between the United States and the United Kingdom, the program has been limited to non-nuclear defense programs. Defense officials of each country share what they are working on and progress that is made. National authorities then can adjust research efforts to incorporate these advances.
The program allows countries to collaborate on research efforts, hold joint testing, avoid duplication, hold down costs, and increase interoperability among allied nations. It also provides a forum for nations to join with others for bilateral or multilateral research projects.
Representatives of the five nations are meeting here next week. "They look at the 11 groups where we have continued cooperation," the senior program official said. The 11 groups are aerospace systems; chemical, biological and radiological defense; command, control, communications and information; electronic warfare systems; human resources and performance; joint systems and analysis; land systems; maritime systems; materials technology and processes; sensors; and conventional weapons technology.
Within the groups, scientists and researchers from the countries work together in action groups and technical panels. There are now 59 technical panels and 29 action groups, the official said.
The program was founded as the Soviet-launched Sputnik satellite circled overhead. The Soviet Union had nuclear weapons pointed at free nations and there was talk of a "missile gap" with the Soviets holding a solid lead.
President Dwight D. Eisenhower and British Prime Minister Harold MacMillan signed the Declaration of Common Purpose that brought the program into being. "The arrangements which the nations of the free world have made for collective defense and mutual help are based on the recognition that the concept of national self sufficiency is now out of date," the declaration said. Canada joined the program in 1957, Australia in 1965, and New Zealand in 1969.
For a group founded as a response to the Cold War, it has proven remarkably flexible, officials said. "We know there are different threats facing all of us today," the official said. "The program is concentrating on the threats we all must deal with."
Today, combating terrorism -- another threat that calls for nations to stand together -- is the program's prime mission.
Servicemembers see results of the some of the program's projects immediately. Others are at more rarified levels. One collaboration between Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States is paying off on the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan right now. Called the "small-volume hypertonic fluid resuscitation for hemorrhagic casualty care," it is a fancy title for handling shock from blood loss. The research found that a "hypertonic" saline solution -- saline solution at least 10 percent stronger than normally used -- quickly restores blood pressure and reduces medical complications associated with shock. Medics in the field are switching to this solution.
Another project devised new methods of tracking the dispersion of chemical, biological or radiological agents in cities. Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States pooled scientific expertise to develop meteorological and dispersion databases to predict how these agents move about a city.
A third project looks at command and control in a coalition. Australia, Canada and the United States combined to build a distributed network operations center. The center allows allies to share information, intelligence and orders across the range of networks. The system melds tactical command-and control networks with national networks into a coalition network.
The program is as relevant today as it was in 1957, the senior official said. "Each nation must assist the other by sharing scientific resources," he said. "Scientific progress made by one must be shared among all. It's the only way forward in this new world."
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 15, 2007 - The P-51 Mustang was just an average fighter until a British Merlin engine was placed in the American airframe. Then the plane dominated the skies over World War II Europe. This kind of exchange is at the heart of The Technical Cooperation Program now celebrating its 50th year of existence. The program brings together experts from the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and New Zealand to cooperate in defense science and technology applications.
"No country knows everything," a senior program official speaking on background said recently. "Especially in this era of globalization, we have to understand that not every solution will be 'made in America.'"
From its inception in 1957 as an agreement between the United States and the United Kingdom, the program has been limited to non-nuclear defense programs. Defense officials of each country share what they are working on and progress that is made. National authorities then can adjust research efforts to incorporate these advances.
The program allows countries to collaborate on research efforts, hold joint testing, avoid duplication, hold down costs, and increase interoperability among allied nations. It also provides a forum for nations to join with others for bilateral or multilateral research projects.
Representatives of the five nations are meeting here next week. "They look at the 11 groups where we have continued cooperation," the senior program official said. The 11 groups are aerospace systems; chemical, biological and radiological defense; command, control, communications and information; electronic warfare systems; human resources and performance; joint systems and analysis; land systems; maritime systems; materials technology and processes; sensors; and conventional weapons technology.
Within the groups, scientists and researchers from the countries work together in action groups and technical panels. There are now 59 technical panels and 29 action groups, the official said.
The program was founded as the Soviet-launched Sputnik satellite circled overhead. The Soviet Union had nuclear weapons pointed at free nations and there was talk of a "missile gap" with the Soviets holding a solid lead.
President Dwight D. Eisenhower and British Prime Minister Harold MacMillan signed the Declaration of Common Purpose that brought the program into being. "The arrangements which the nations of the free world have made for collective defense and mutual help are based on the recognition that the concept of national self sufficiency is now out of date," the declaration said. Canada joined the program in 1957, Australia in 1965, and New Zealand in 1969.
For a group founded as a response to the Cold War, it has proven remarkably flexible, officials said. "We know there are different threats facing all of us today," the official said. "The program is concentrating on the threats we all must deal with."
Today, combating terrorism -- another threat that calls for nations to stand together -- is the program's prime mission.
Servicemembers see results of the some of the program's projects immediately. Others are at more rarified levels. One collaboration between Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States is paying off on the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan right now. Called the "small-volume hypertonic fluid resuscitation for hemorrhagic casualty care," it is a fancy title for handling shock from blood loss. The research found that a "hypertonic" saline solution -- saline solution at least 10 percent stronger than normally used -- quickly restores blood pressure and reduces medical complications associated with shock. Medics in the field are switching to this solution.
Another project devised new methods of tracking the dispersion of chemical, biological or radiological agents in cities. Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States pooled scientific expertise to develop meteorological and dispersion databases to predict how these agents move about a city.
A third project looks at command and control in a coalition. Australia, Canada and the United States combined to build a distributed network operations center. The center allows allies to share information, intelligence and orders across the range of networks. The system melds tactical command-and control networks with national networks into a coalition network.
The program is as relevant today as it was in 1957, the senior official said. "Each nation must assist the other by sharing scientific resources," he said. "Scientific progress made by one must be shared among all. It's the only way forward in this new world."
New Defense Media Activity Calling All Designers
By David Mays
Special to American Forces Press Service
Oct. 15, 2007 - Your original design could help "jump start" the new Defense Media Activity by becoming its first logo. "The goal of the logo, just like in corporate America, is to communicate specific traits about your organization," said Allison Barber, deputy assistant secretary of defense for public liaison and internal communications. "Hopefully it will communicate some type of world-class feel to it, because we're building the state-of-the-art world-class communication organization."
On Jan. 1, 2008, media outlets of all U.S. military departments and American Forces Information Service will merge to form the new Defense Media Activity. More than 650 military, DoD civilian and contract employees will be co-located in a 185,000-square-foot facility to be built on the grounds of Fort Meade, Md., and set to open in September 2011.
"We realize that part of the energy that comes with creating a new organization is the brand development, and the first tactic is a logo that will communicate a certain look and feel for the DMA," Barber said. "I'm excited to see what comes in from the participants who decide to compete in the logo contest, because I think we have such talented individuals."
Anyone who is part of an organization that will consolidate to the DMA, including military, government civilian and contract employees, is eligible to enter the logo contest.
"When you think about today's communication environment, it is clear that information is vibrant and quick, therefore, our logo needs to embody that same feeling," Barber noted.
According to contest rules, entries should focus on three general themes: media, military and "jointness." Each entry must be accompanied by a one paragraph explanation of the logo's meaning and various aspects of its design.
"Hopefully the logo will present a sense of stability and integrity," Barber said. "Our communication and our products are rooted in those traits."
The contest is open through Nov. 16. All entries must be submitted via e-mail as a "jpg" attachment to dmalogo@afis.mil
"People will submit their logos to the DMA Website (www.defenselink.mil/dma)," Barber explained. "And on a given day we'll be posting those, and people can go online and vote for their favorite logo."
A panel created by the various military public affairs chiefs ultimately will select the winning design from a pool of those that receive the most votes. Special prizes then will be awarded to top designers.
"We're working hard to create a lot of energy around the logo contest by providing things that will be meaningful and enjoyable to those who compete," Barber said. "It's worth going for, I will tell you that."
(David Mays works for the New Media branch of American Forces Press Service.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Oct. 15, 2007 - Your original design could help "jump start" the new Defense Media Activity by becoming its first logo. "The goal of the logo, just like in corporate America, is to communicate specific traits about your organization," said Allison Barber, deputy assistant secretary of defense for public liaison and internal communications. "Hopefully it will communicate some type of world-class feel to it, because we're building the state-of-the-art world-class communication organization."
On Jan. 1, 2008, media outlets of all U.S. military departments and American Forces Information Service will merge to form the new Defense Media Activity. More than 650 military, DoD civilian and contract employees will be co-located in a 185,000-square-foot facility to be built on the grounds of Fort Meade, Md., and set to open in September 2011.
"We realize that part of the energy that comes with creating a new organization is the brand development, and the first tactic is a logo that will communicate a certain look and feel for the DMA," Barber said. "I'm excited to see what comes in from the participants who decide to compete in the logo contest, because I think we have such talented individuals."
Anyone who is part of an organization that will consolidate to the DMA, including military, government civilian and contract employees, is eligible to enter the logo contest.
"When you think about today's communication environment, it is clear that information is vibrant and quick, therefore, our logo needs to embody that same feeling," Barber noted.
According to contest rules, entries should focus on three general themes: media, military and "jointness." Each entry must be accompanied by a one paragraph explanation of the logo's meaning and various aspects of its design.
"Hopefully the logo will present a sense of stability and integrity," Barber said. "Our communication and our products are rooted in those traits."
The contest is open through Nov. 16. All entries must be submitted via e-mail as a "jpg" attachment to dmalogo@afis.mil
"People will submit their logos to the DMA Website (www.defenselink.mil/dma)," Barber explained. "And on a given day we'll be posting those, and people can go online and vote for their favorite logo."
A panel created by the various military public affairs chiefs ultimately will select the winning design from a pool of those that receive the most votes. Special prizes then will be awarded to top designers.
"We're working hard to create a lot of energy around the logo contest by providing things that will be meaningful and enjoyable to those who compete," Barber said. "It's worth going for, I will tell you that."
(David Mays works for the New Media branch of American Forces Press Service.)
Groups Team Up to Entertain Military Kids
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 15, 2007 - Children of servicemembers recovering at Walter Reed Army Medical Center here have a new recreation option thanks to the team effort of three nonprofit groups and a defense contractor. The Yellow Ribbon Fund dedicated a playground at Walter Reed's Mologne House yesterday. The facility was constructed primarily for children staying at the residential facility for recovering servicemembers and their families.
"This playground fills a longstanding need for children staying at our facility who, until now, had very limited recreational opportunities," said Peter Anderson, Mologne House's general manager. "We are extremely grateful to the Yellow Ribbon Fund and the employees of BAE Systems for their generosity and kindness."
The completion of the playground fulfills a dream, said Edward J. Quinn, a member of Yellow Ribbon Fund's board of directors.
"Every day, our wounded servicemen and women return from combat, many to long-term rehabilitation at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and (the National Naval Medical Center at Bethesda, Md.)," he said. "The Yellow Ribbon Fund's mission is to welcome them home and into our community. We are equally committed to making their families feel at home."
The Yellow Ribbon Fund is a supporter of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad.
Both the Armed Forces Foundation and Operation Homefront, also supporters of America Support You, lent their assistance to the playground project.
Operation Homefront provides emergency support and services to servicemembers and their families. The Armed Forces Foundation works to promote the morale, welfare and quality-of-life of active and retired servicemembers, National Guardsmen, reservists, and their families.
"When we heard of the Yellow Ribbon Fund's plans to build a playground that would fill such a huge need for the children at Mologne House, we knew we had to get involved," said Amy Palmer, Operation Homefront's executive vice president of operations and development.
BAE System's ongoing "Operation Noble Cause" initiative led to the contractor's involvement in the Mologne House playground project.
"Our employees embrace the credo, 'We protect those who protect us,'" said Rebekah Nottingham, BAE's vice president of customer requirements. "This commitment applies as much to our individual support of our fighting men and women as it does to the products and services we provide."
BAE employees across the country raised $60,000 for the playground project through "Operation Noble Cause."
(From a Yellow Ribbon Fund news release.)
Oct. 15, 2007 - Children of servicemembers recovering at Walter Reed Army Medical Center here have a new recreation option thanks to the team effort of three nonprofit groups and a defense contractor. The Yellow Ribbon Fund dedicated a playground at Walter Reed's Mologne House yesterday. The facility was constructed primarily for children staying at the residential facility for recovering servicemembers and their families.
"This playground fills a longstanding need for children staying at our facility who, until now, had very limited recreational opportunities," said Peter Anderson, Mologne House's general manager. "We are extremely grateful to the Yellow Ribbon Fund and the employees of BAE Systems for their generosity and kindness."
The completion of the playground fulfills a dream, said Edward J. Quinn, a member of Yellow Ribbon Fund's board of directors.
"Every day, our wounded servicemen and women return from combat, many to long-term rehabilitation at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and (the National Naval Medical Center at Bethesda, Md.)," he said. "The Yellow Ribbon Fund's mission is to welcome them home and into our community. We are equally committed to making their families feel at home."
The Yellow Ribbon Fund is a supporter of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad.
Both the Armed Forces Foundation and Operation Homefront, also supporters of America Support You, lent their assistance to the playground project.
Operation Homefront provides emergency support and services to servicemembers and their families. The Armed Forces Foundation works to promote the morale, welfare and quality-of-life of active and retired servicemembers, National Guardsmen, reservists, and their families.
"When we heard of the Yellow Ribbon Fund's plans to build a playground that would fill such a huge need for the children at Mologne House, we knew we had to get involved," said Amy Palmer, Operation Homefront's executive vice president of operations and development.
BAE System's ongoing "Operation Noble Cause" initiative led to the contractor's involvement in the Mologne House playground project.
"Our employees embrace the credo, 'We protect those who protect us,'" said Rebekah Nottingham, BAE's vice president of customer requirements. "This commitment applies as much to our individual support of our fighting men and women as it does to the products and services we provide."
BAE employees across the country raised $60,000 for the playground project through "Operation Noble Cause."
(From a Yellow Ribbon Fund news release.)
Saturday, October 13, 2007
World War II, Korea War and Operation Desert Storm
October 13, 2007 (San Dimas, CA) Military-Writers.com is a website committed to listing servicemembers who have authored books. The website added three servicemembers who have written books and who service includes World War II, the Korean War and Operation Desert Storm.
A.L. Ward is a highly acclaimed experienced Hypnotist, Healer and Instructor with a 51-year track record. His contribution to a massive research project proved that hypnosis corrected 'non-medically responsive' health problems and that a universally consistent pattern of negative emotions caused the physical deficiencies. A. L. Ward was born in Tarkio, Missouri and educated in schools in California. He served with the Navy on the aircraft carrier Intrepid from 1943-1945. He joined the San Bernardino Police Department in 1955 and retired in 1980.
He is the author of two books: The Inner Mind Revisited and Heaven: The Road Back Home. According to The Inner Mind Revisited, it “is a unique book whose direct approach brings thought provoking testimony to the growing evidence that the mind of man is capable of penetrating into the world beyond. It is a significant contribution to the better understanding of hypnosis and the Soul of man. The author prods the mind of the reader into a new spiritual awareness and the certainty that a pattern and purpose in life lies within the inner mind of every individual. The book also lists over forty different medical problems, some determined incurable by the medical profession, which were resolved in his one-hour hypnotic process.”
Charles "Chuck" Sennewald, upon graduation from the United States Air Force basic training program at Lackland AFB in 1949, entered and graduated from the United States Army's Military Police School at Camp Gordon (Georgia). Shortly thereafter he was transferred to the 6205th Air Police Group at Clark AFB in the Philippine Islands, then the largest Air Police contingent in the world on the largest air base in the world. He served in the prestigious Town Patrol detail in Angeles, Pampanga. He volunteered for Korean service after the outbreak of that war and was eventually transferred to the 18th Air Police Squadron with the 18th Fighter Bomber Wing at K-10 Korea, the famous "Dogpatch" for Mustang F-51's. At that location he became the Prison Sergeant in charge of the base stockade.
After discharge from the Air Force Chuck, entered San Jose State University, majoring in Police Science. He eventually graduated with a BS in Police Science and Administration from California State University, Los Angeles, where he subsequently taught as a part time lecturer for 13 years, in Security Management. While attending school he joined the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, and after a year in corrections and a short stint in patrol at Malibu was transferred to the Vice Detail where he worked undercover for over 4 years. He was then transferred to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Bureau of Investigation and after a short tenure there was recruited by the Claremont Colleges as their Chief of Campus Police.
His latest book, Retail Crime, Security and Loss Prevention: An Encyclopedic Reference, co-authored with John Christman, for VP and Director of Security for Macy's West will be released in February, 2008. In addition to the book being released in February 2008, Charles Sennewald is the author of six books: Effective Security Management; The Process of Investigation; Security Consulting; Shoplifters vs. Retailers: The Rights of Both; Shoplifting: Managing the Problem; and, The Last Volkswagen.
According to the book description of The Process of Investigation, it “is a book written to address the needs of the private investigator in the security field. Continuing in the tradition of its previous editions, this book covers essential topics which are often overlooked in works that concentrate on the public aspects of investigation. Investigative skills such as surveillance techniques, interviewing and interrogation, evidence, and confessions and written statements are all discussed, and supplemented with updated case studies and examples from the authors own experiences.
Even at an early age, D. Clayton Meadows planned a life under the sea. He saved allowances and did jobs around local farms to earn money for books about submarines. After high school D. Clayton Meadows enlisted in the United States Navy. After graduating Submarine School, D. Clayton Meadows was assigned to USS RAY SSN 653. D. Clayton Meadows completed the rigorous submarine qualification process in half the normal time. It was on USS RAY that D. Clayton Meadows participated in the first ever surfacing of three United States nuclear submarines at the North Pole.
D. Clayton Meadows began writing articles for various magazines dealing with model submarines, and naval history. By now his writing and models were winning awards and in demand. His models grace the desks of government leaders, celebrities, and collectors. In September of 1995 D. Clayton Meadows was advanced to the prestigious rank of Chief Petty Officer. A year later he was at sea again, this time as Torpedo Division leading Chief on the Improved Los Angeles Class USS SPRINGFIELD SSN 761. He deployed three times while on SPRINGFIELD. While on board he began his first novel, Of Ice and Steel. He only worked on the manuscript while the ship was submerged
According to William McDonald of The American Author Association, “There are very few books that you read and tell yourself that this would make for a great action movie. However, in "Of Ice And Steel" author D. Clayton Meadows makes you see and actually feel those visual mental pictures unfolding in your mind as you read his book. He is truly a gifted writer. He displays his creative writing style with the greatest of skill as he treats us to an unbelievable tale that he makes you accept as possible. This book has a little of everything that a good submarine story should have including a cast of well-defined characters and a great dialog. The real twist to this war adventure is that it crosses over into science fiction. You will not read another story like this one ever! The action and the pace of the book move the plot right along. It is a spellbinding thriller that you will not be able to out down until you find out what happens.
Military-Writers.com currently lists 58 current or former military servicemembers and their 130 books.
A.L. Ward is a highly acclaimed experienced Hypnotist, Healer and Instructor with a 51-year track record. His contribution to a massive research project proved that hypnosis corrected 'non-medically responsive' health problems and that a universally consistent pattern of negative emotions caused the physical deficiencies. A. L. Ward was born in Tarkio, Missouri and educated in schools in California. He served with the Navy on the aircraft carrier Intrepid from 1943-1945. He joined the San Bernardino Police Department in 1955 and retired in 1980.
He is the author of two books: The Inner Mind Revisited and Heaven: The Road Back Home. According to The Inner Mind Revisited, it “is a unique book whose direct approach brings thought provoking testimony to the growing evidence that the mind of man is capable of penetrating into the world beyond. It is a significant contribution to the better understanding of hypnosis and the Soul of man. The author prods the mind of the reader into a new spiritual awareness and the certainty that a pattern and purpose in life lies within the inner mind of every individual. The book also lists over forty different medical problems, some determined incurable by the medical profession, which were resolved in his one-hour hypnotic process.”
Charles "Chuck" Sennewald, upon graduation from the United States Air Force basic training program at Lackland AFB in 1949, entered and graduated from the United States Army's Military Police School at Camp Gordon (Georgia). Shortly thereafter he was transferred to the 6205th Air Police Group at Clark AFB in the Philippine Islands, then the largest Air Police contingent in the world on the largest air base in the world. He served in the prestigious Town Patrol detail in Angeles, Pampanga. He volunteered for Korean service after the outbreak of that war and was eventually transferred to the 18th Air Police Squadron with the 18th Fighter Bomber Wing at K-10 Korea, the famous "Dogpatch" for Mustang F-51's. At that location he became the Prison Sergeant in charge of the base stockade.
After discharge from the Air Force Chuck, entered San Jose State University, majoring in Police Science. He eventually graduated with a BS in Police Science and Administration from California State University, Los Angeles, where he subsequently taught as a part time lecturer for 13 years, in Security Management. While attending school he joined the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, and after a year in corrections and a short stint in patrol at Malibu was transferred to the Vice Detail where he worked undercover for over 4 years. He was then transferred to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Bureau of Investigation and after a short tenure there was recruited by the Claremont Colleges as their Chief of Campus Police.
His latest book, Retail Crime, Security and Loss Prevention: An Encyclopedic Reference, co-authored with John Christman, for VP and Director of Security for Macy's West will be released in February, 2008. In addition to the book being released in February 2008, Charles Sennewald is the author of six books: Effective Security Management; The Process of Investigation; Security Consulting; Shoplifters vs. Retailers: The Rights of Both; Shoplifting: Managing the Problem; and, The Last Volkswagen.
According to the book description of The Process of Investigation, it “is a book written to address the needs of the private investigator in the security field. Continuing in the tradition of its previous editions, this book covers essential topics which are often overlooked in works that concentrate on the public aspects of investigation. Investigative skills such as surveillance techniques, interviewing and interrogation, evidence, and confessions and written statements are all discussed, and supplemented with updated case studies and examples from the authors own experiences.
Even at an early age, D. Clayton Meadows planned a life under the sea. He saved allowances and did jobs around local farms to earn money for books about submarines. After high school D. Clayton Meadows enlisted in the United States Navy. After graduating Submarine School, D. Clayton Meadows was assigned to USS RAY SSN 653. D. Clayton Meadows completed the rigorous submarine qualification process in half the normal time. It was on USS RAY that D. Clayton Meadows participated in the first ever surfacing of three United States nuclear submarines at the North Pole.
D. Clayton Meadows began writing articles for various magazines dealing with model submarines, and naval history. By now his writing and models were winning awards and in demand. His models grace the desks of government leaders, celebrities, and collectors. In September of 1995 D. Clayton Meadows was advanced to the prestigious rank of Chief Petty Officer. A year later he was at sea again, this time as Torpedo Division leading Chief on the Improved Los Angeles Class USS SPRINGFIELD SSN 761. He deployed three times while on SPRINGFIELD. While on board he began his first novel, Of Ice and Steel. He only worked on the manuscript while the ship was submerged
According to William McDonald of The American Author Association, “There are very few books that you read and tell yourself that this would make for a great action movie. However, in "Of Ice And Steel" author D. Clayton Meadows makes you see and actually feel those visual mental pictures unfolding in your mind as you read his book. He is truly a gifted writer. He displays his creative writing style with the greatest of skill as he treats us to an unbelievable tale that he makes you accept as possible. This book has a little of everything that a good submarine story should have including a cast of well-defined characters and a great dialog. The real twist to this war adventure is that it crosses over into science fiction. You will not read another story like this one ever! The action and the pace of the book move the plot right along. It is a spellbinding thriller that you will not be able to out down until you find out what happens.
Military-Writers.com currently lists 58 current or former military servicemembers and their 130 books.
Friday, October 12, 2007
Missile Defense Tops Agenda at Gates, Rice Meeting with Russian Leaders
By Linda D. Kozaryn
American Forces Press Service
, Oct. 12, 2007 - U.S. plans to base missile defense radar and interceptors in Poland and the Czech Republic and Russia's opposition to those plans were at the heart of talks between U.S. and Russian leaders here this morning. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice met with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Defense Minister Anatoliy Eduardovich Serdyukov and Foreign Affairs Minister Sergey Lavrov at Putin's residence outside of Moscow.
According to pool reports, Putin did not meet with Gates and Rice until 40 minutes after their arrival. Prior to the meeting, U.S. reporters asked Lavrov if there would be any big breakthroughs during the talks. The foreign minister replied: "Breaks, definitely. Through or down -- I don't know."
In his opening remarks, Putin said, "I hope today's talks on many issues will be fruitful, but I hope that in the process of such complex and multifaceted talks you will not be forcing forward your relations with the Eastern European countries."
In a tone described by pool reporters as "mocking," Putin mentioned the possibility of a future missile defense system.
"Of course we can sometime in the future decide that some anti-missile defense system should be established somewhere on the moon," Putin said, according to an English translation. "But before we reach such arrangements, we will lose the opportunity for fixing some particular arrangements between us."
Putin threatened to abandon a key nuclear missile treaty. He said the Cold War-era Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty limiting Russian and U.S. short- and medium-range missiles was outmoded because other countries are acquiring such weapons.
"If we are unable to make such a goal of making this treaty universal, then it will be difficult for us to keep within the framework of such a treaty, especially when other countries do have such weapons systems," Putin said.
Gates told the Russians that the Pentagon was ready to intensify a dialogue on military relations.
"We have an ambitious agenda of security issues that concern both of us, including as you suggest, development of missile systems by others in the neighborhood, I would say in particular Iran," he said.
Rice responded to Putin's remarks by saying that the United States will try to find ways to cooperate. "Even though we have our differences, we have a great deal in common because that which unites us in trying to deal with the threats of terrorism, of proliferation are much greater than the issues that divide us," she said.
During a briefing on her way to Moscow, Rice said the goal of the missile defense system is to bring about security for European allies and the United States.
"We've been very clear that we need the Czech and Polish sites," she said. "But I think we ought to look at all the possible elements of what the President (Bush) and President Putin called a kind of regional architecture for missile defense. And there is considerable interest in both Azerbaijan and some of the possibilities in Russia itself. So I think we ought to look at all the possible elements."
American Forces Press Service
, Oct. 12, 2007 - U.S. plans to base missile defense radar and interceptors in Poland and the Czech Republic and Russia's opposition to those plans were at the heart of talks between U.S. and Russian leaders here this morning. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice met with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Defense Minister Anatoliy Eduardovich Serdyukov and Foreign Affairs Minister Sergey Lavrov at Putin's residence outside of Moscow.
According to pool reports, Putin did not meet with Gates and Rice until 40 minutes after their arrival. Prior to the meeting, U.S. reporters asked Lavrov if there would be any big breakthroughs during the talks. The foreign minister replied: "Breaks, definitely. Through or down -- I don't know."
In his opening remarks, Putin said, "I hope today's talks on many issues will be fruitful, but I hope that in the process of such complex and multifaceted talks you will not be forcing forward your relations with the Eastern European countries."
In a tone described by pool reporters as "mocking," Putin mentioned the possibility of a future missile defense system.
"Of course we can sometime in the future decide that some anti-missile defense system should be established somewhere on the moon," Putin said, according to an English translation. "But before we reach such arrangements, we will lose the opportunity for fixing some particular arrangements between us."
Putin threatened to abandon a key nuclear missile treaty. He said the Cold War-era Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty limiting Russian and U.S. short- and medium-range missiles was outmoded because other countries are acquiring such weapons.
"If we are unable to make such a goal of making this treaty universal, then it will be difficult for us to keep within the framework of such a treaty, especially when other countries do have such weapons systems," Putin said.
Gates told the Russians that the Pentagon was ready to intensify a dialogue on military relations.
"We have an ambitious agenda of security issues that concern both of us, including as you suggest, development of missile systems by others in the neighborhood, I would say in particular Iran," he said.
Rice responded to Putin's remarks by saying that the United States will try to find ways to cooperate. "Even though we have our differences, we have a great deal in common because that which unites us in trying to deal with the threats of terrorism, of proliferation are much greater than the issues that divide us," she said.
During a briefing on her way to Moscow, Rice said the goal of the missile defense system is to bring about security for European allies and the United States.
"We've been very clear that we need the Czech and Polish sites," she said. "But I think we ought to look at all the possible elements of what the President (Bush) and President Putin called a kind of regional architecture for missile defense. And there is considerable interest in both Azerbaijan and some of the possibilities in Russia itself. So I think we ought to look at all the possible elements."
Guard Works to Bring Back Prior-Service Soldiers
By Fred W. Baker III
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 12, 2007 - The Army National Guard has launched a new recruiting effort that officials hope will tap into a market that has steadily decreased since the war on terror began -- prior-service soldiers. Dubbed "Active First," the program targets new recruits who want to serve on active-duty but then are willing to return to the Guard to finish out the remainder of their initial military service obligation.
Officials hope to recruit as many as 2,000 soldiers into the program this year, said Army Lt. Col. Gregg Bliss, branch chief for the National Guard Bureau recruit sustainment program. Of those, National Guard leaders hope to see as many as 1,400 return to the Guard, he said.
"A lot of soldiers like the opportunity to serve their nation and come back and serve their community, as well. We think we're offering them both options in a manner that really benefits them," Bliss said.
Most initial active-duty enlistments are followed by a remaining service obligation in the Individual Ready Reserve. For example, four-year active-duty enlistments typically are followed by four-year IRR obligations, in which soldiers are not paid and are no longer required to perform any duty, but are subject to be called back into active service.
Under the new program, soldiers return to the Guard to fulfill the remaining obligation. The Guard benefits because soldiers enter their Guard units trained, experienced and ready to fill leadership positions. Recruits can receive bonuses as high as $40,000, officials said.
Recruits who enlist under this program serve in the Army National Guard until completing their initial entry training and then serve 30, 36 or 48 months on active duty. After completing their active-duty tour, recruits can re-enlist or return to the Guard.
Under the new Active First program, recruits receive as much as $20,000 after finishing initial training. Up to $20,000 more can be paid once soldiers return to the Guard after active service, National Guard officials said.
Because bonuses are based on length of enlistment and are not job or qualification specific, recruits who don't mind finishing their initial military service obligation in the Guard can earn big bucks. The average bonus for an active-duty enlistment in 2006 was $16,500, officials said.
In addition, recruiting officials hope the Guard-turned-active-duty soldiers will promote the National Guard during their active service and persuade more prior-service soldiers to sign-up once their initial enlistments are finished, Bliss said.
"It spreads our good news story that Guard soldiers support their community and support their nation. We think for all parties -- the Army, the National Guard and the soldier -- it's a very positive opportunity," he said.
Traditionally, many active-duty soldiers have transitioned into the Guard after finishing their enlistments. In the past, the Guard filled its ranks with about 60 percent prior-service military. Guard officials noted that percentage has dropped by half as deployments have dramatically increased for Guard units in the past five years, making separating active-duty soldiers wary of signing up.
In fact, the Guard now is giving the active component more than it is getting. In 2006, the Guard received 3,378 soldiers from the Army, but released 4,309 soldiers to active duty.
Bliss said the Guard always has provided soldiers to the active component, allowing them to be discharged for enlistment into active duty. But this program puts in place a process for returning those soldiers to the Guard.
"All we're doing is formalizing the process, not only to team more effectively with the Army, but to also take care of these soldiers a little bit better, as well," Bliss said.
Army National Guard officials reported finishing fiscal 2007 at 101 percent of its planned end-strength, nearly 3,000 troops above its planned 350,000-soldier end-strength and with almost 6,500 more troops than it started the year with.
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 12, 2007 - The Army National Guard has launched a new recruiting effort that officials hope will tap into a market that has steadily decreased since the war on terror began -- prior-service soldiers. Dubbed "Active First," the program targets new recruits who want to serve on active-duty but then are willing to return to the Guard to finish out the remainder of their initial military service obligation.
Officials hope to recruit as many as 2,000 soldiers into the program this year, said Army Lt. Col. Gregg Bliss, branch chief for the National Guard Bureau recruit sustainment program. Of those, National Guard leaders hope to see as many as 1,400 return to the Guard, he said.
"A lot of soldiers like the opportunity to serve their nation and come back and serve their community, as well. We think we're offering them both options in a manner that really benefits them," Bliss said.
Most initial active-duty enlistments are followed by a remaining service obligation in the Individual Ready Reserve. For example, four-year active-duty enlistments typically are followed by four-year IRR obligations, in which soldiers are not paid and are no longer required to perform any duty, but are subject to be called back into active service.
Under the new program, soldiers return to the Guard to fulfill the remaining obligation. The Guard benefits because soldiers enter their Guard units trained, experienced and ready to fill leadership positions. Recruits can receive bonuses as high as $40,000, officials said.
Recruits who enlist under this program serve in the Army National Guard until completing their initial entry training and then serve 30, 36 or 48 months on active duty. After completing their active-duty tour, recruits can re-enlist or return to the Guard.
Under the new Active First program, recruits receive as much as $20,000 after finishing initial training. Up to $20,000 more can be paid once soldiers return to the Guard after active service, National Guard officials said.
Because bonuses are based on length of enlistment and are not job or qualification specific, recruits who don't mind finishing their initial military service obligation in the Guard can earn big bucks. The average bonus for an active-duty enlistment in 2006 was $16,500, officials said.
In addition, recruiting officials hope the Guard-turned-active-duty soldiers will promote the National Guard during their active service and persuade more prior-service soldiers to sign-up once their initial enlistments are finished, Bliss said.
"It spreads our good news story that Guard soldiers support their community and support their nation. We think for all parties -- the Army, the National Guard and the soldier -- it's a very positive opportunity," he said.
Traditionally, many active-duty soldiers have transitioned into the Guard after finishing their enlistments. In the past, the Guard filled its ranks with about 60 percent prior-service military. Guard officials noted that percentage has dropped by half as deployments have dramatically increased for Guard units in the past five years, making separating active-duty soldiers wary of signing up.
In fact, the Guard now is giving the active component more than it is getting. In 2006, the Guard received 3,378 soldiers from the Army, but released 4,309 soldiers to active duty.
Bliss said the Guard always has provided soldiers to the active component, allowing them to be discharged for enlistment into active duty. But this program puts in place a process for returning those soldiers to the Guard.
"All we're doing is formalizing the process, not only to team more effectively with the Army, but to also take care of these soldiers a little bit better, as well," Bliss said.
Army National Guard officials reported finishing fiscal 2007 at 101 percent of its planned end-strength, nearly 3,000 troops above its planned 350,000-soldier end-strength and with almost 6,500 more troops than it started the year with.
U.S., Russian Leaders Agree to Meet Again
By Linda D. Kozaryn
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 12, 2007 - U.S. and Russian foreign affairs and defense leaders made no major breakthroughs during what they're calling their first "two-plus-two" talks on strategic security, but they agreed to meet again in Washington in six months. U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates met here today with Russian Foreign Affairs Minister Sergey Lavrov and Defense Minister Anatoliy Eduardovich Serdyukov to discuss missile defense and other security issues.
Russian leaders oppose the U.S. plan to base radar and long-range ballistic missile interceptors in Poland and the Czech Republic. At a meeting earlier in the day, Russian President Vladimir Putin told Rice and Gates "that in the process of such complex and multifaceted talks you will not be forcing forward your relations with the Eastern European countries."
Putin also threatened to abandon a key nuclear missile treaty. He said the Cold War-era Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty limiting Russian and U.S. short- and medium-range missiles was outmoded because other countries were acquiring such weapons.
"If we are unable to make such a goal of making this treaty universal, then it will be difficult for us to keep within the framework of such a treaty, especially when other countries do have such weapons systems," Putin said.
The two top diplomats and two defense leaders then met for two sessions of talks, followed by a short news conference in which Rice told U.S. and Russian reporters that the "constructive" talks covered a full range of issues on the political, military and strategic agenda with Russia.
Rice said the "two-plus-two" format was useful and that U.S. officials would put together a strategic framework on all of the various strategic policy issues that both parties can review and hopefully finalize at the next meeting in Washington.
The United States and Russia agree on countering global nuclear terror and the safe use of civilian nuclear power, Rice said. "These are elements the presidents have had very forward-leaning initiatives on, and we want to make sure they are fully implemented," she said.
Other issues, such as missile defense and how to push forward on limiting deployed strategic warheads, remain to be agreed upon. But, she said, both parties have agreed their experts should work "very urgently" on resolving diverging views.
On the issue of positioning missile defense assets in Poland and the Czech Republic, Rice said the United States will work to address Russian concerns about the nature of the system and a diverging view of the missile threat, and to reassure the Russians that the system will not undermine the Russian deterrent. "We believe that we can address those concerns, and we are prepared to do it," Rice said.
"The United States did come with some new ideas that we hope are responsive to some of the concerns that Russia has had," she said. "But obviously our experts will need to work through some of these concepts so that we can make progress on these very important issues. Some of the ideas on transparency and joint monitoring, we would hope we could be taken up very soon; others are still to be worked."
Rice pointed out that the "adversarial" relationship between the United States and Russia is a thing of the past, and that today, while there may be differences from time to time, "there is a spirit of constructive work."
Gates told reporters the talks "reflected the complex, multifaceted relationship Russia and the United States have -- a relationship with many common security interests."
"We have a robust strategic agenda, and many of these topics were discussed during today's meetings," he said. "We put some new ideas on the table in several areas."
Gates said U.S. officials proposed having individuals from both sides at the missile defense sites to provide complete transparency. "Some of the proposals affected transparency and sharing information," he said.
Gates emphasized that the missile defense system being proposed is not directed at Russia. "It would have no impact on Russia's strategic deterrent," he said.
"I would just add that we also addressed the possible concern on the Russian side, that while the sites in the present design form pose no threat to Russia or its deterrent, the concern that in some future date years from now they might do so and our willingness to provide assurances and reassurances in that respect," he said.
Gates said U.S. officials "remain eager to be full and open partners with Russia in missile defense," he said. "We discussed a range of proposals we hope Moscow will accept. If we succeed in working together, (it) will mark a major strategic shift."
U.S. officials are concerned about Russia's stated intention to suspend its participation in the Conventional Armed Forces in Europe Treaty and hope the differences can be resolved.
Lavrov opened the news conference on a positive note, remarking that the meeting reaffirmed that all participants "realize their responsibility for world security and a strategic partnership."
He also said the Russians agreed to make the two-plus-two format permanent and to meet again in Washington in six months to follow up on their work on "practical implementation of initiatives put forward by the two countries jointly and implemented jointly in the area of strategic stability."
He said this includes the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, strengthening of cooperative regimes, countering nuclear terrorism, the development of cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy, and the "universalization" of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, a Cold War-era treaty limiting Russian and U.S. short- and medium-range missiles.
The treaty limits the Russian Federation and the United States in their ability to have appropriate military systems, Lavrov said. "Since the threat of missile proliferation is growing, we agreed that we need to invite all countries without an exclusion to engage in this regime."
Lavrov noted that the two parties also could use the two-plus-two meetings to discuss issues on which their views diverge, and one of these issues is missile defense. He said Russian experts will examine proposals put forward today by the Americans aimed at finding common ground.
Russian officials' views "diverge about the assessment of the character of the missile proliferation threat," Lavrov said, and experts will focus and collaborate on a joint understanding of the threat.
"If it has to do with the protection of Europe and the United States, let's realistically look at who can threaten them," Lavrov stressed. "If we succeed in hammering out these criteria, it may become clear that there is no need in this third positioning region."
He also called on the Americans to freeze their plans to deploy missile defense assets in Europe while U.S. and Russian experts work on resolving the two nations' differences.
Lavrov said the two parties agreed to continue work on the Conventional Armed Forces in Europe Treaty. This summer, the Russians put forth proposals on how to save the treaty and keep it viable, he said. Today, the Americans made their proposals, which he said "is a step in the right direction, but this step is insufficient."
The Russian minister said the two nations must work out an arrangement following the end of the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty. He added that Russian officials realize the relevance of the treaty and the importance of a follow-on treaty.
Lavrov called for a "holistic approach" to dealing with all matters of strategic stability that are on the agenda of Russian-American relations.
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 12, 2007 - U.S. and Russian foreign affairs and defense leaders made no major breakthroughs during what they're calling their first "two-plus-two" talks on strategic security, but they agreed to meet again in Washington in six months. U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates met here today with Russian Foreign Affairs Minister Sergey Lavrov and Defense Minister Anatoliy Eduardovich Serdyukov to discuss missile defense and other security issues.
Russian leaders oppose the U.S. plan to base radar and long-range ballistic missile interceptors in Poland and the Czech Republic. At a meeting earlier in the day, Russian President Vladimir Putin told Rice and Gates "that in the process of such complex and multifaceted talks you will not be forcing forward your relations with the Eastern European countries."
Putin also threatened to abandon a key nuclear missile treaty. He said the Cold War-era Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty limiting Russian and U.S. short- and medium-range missiles was outmoded because other countries were acquiring such weapons.
"If we are unable to make such a goal of making this treaty universal, then it will be difficult for us to keep within the framework of such a treaty, especially when other countries do have such weapons systems," Putin said.
The two top diplomats and two defense leaders then met for two sessions of talks, followed by a short news conference in which Rice told U.S. and Russian reporters that the "constructive" talks covered a full range of issues on the political, military and strategic agenda with Russia.
Rice said the "two-plus-two" format was useful and that U.S. officials would put together a strategic framework on all of the various strategic policy issues that both parties can review and hopefully finalize at the next meeting in Washington.
The United States and Russia agree on countering global nuclear terror and the safe use of civilian nuclear power, Rice said. "These are elements the presidents have had very forward-leaning initiatives on, and we want to make sure they are fully implemented," she said.
Other issues, such as missile defense and how to push forward on limiting deployed strategic warheads, remain to be agreed upon. But, she said, both parties have agreed their experts should work "very urgently" on resolving diverging views.
On the issue of positioning missile defense assets in Poland and the Czech Republic, Rice said the United States will work to address Russian concerns about the nature of the system and a diverging view of the missile threat, and to reassure the Russians that the system will not undermine the Russian deterrent. "We believe that we can address those concerns, and we are prepared to do it," Rice said.
"The United States did come with some new ideas that we hope are responsive to some of the concerns that Russia has had," she said. "But obviously our experts will need to work through some of these concepts so that we can make progress on these very important issues. Some of the ideas on transparency and joint monitoring, we would hope we could be taken up very soon; others are still to be worked."
Rice pointed out that the "adversarial" relationship between the United States and Russia is a thing of the past, and that today, while there may be differences from time to time, "there is a spirit of constructive work."
Gates told reporters the talks "reflected the complex, multifaceted relationship Russia and the United States have -- a relationship with many common security interests."
"We have a robust strategic agenda, and many of these topics were discussed during today's meetings," he said. "We put some new ideas on the table in several areas."
Gates said U.S. officials proposed having individuals from both sides at the missile defense sites to provide complete transparency. "Some of the proposals affected transparency and sharing information," he said.
Gates emphasized that the missile defense system being proposed is not directed at Russia. "It would have no impact on Russia's strategic deterrent," he said.
"I would just add that we also addressed the possible concern on the Russian side, that while the sites in the present design form pose no threat to Russia or its deterrent, the concern that in some future date years from now they might do so and our willingness to provide assurances and reassurances in that respect," he said.
Gates said U.S. officials "remain eager to be full and open partners with Russia in missile defense," he said. "We discussed a range of proposals we hope Moscow will accept. If we succeed in working together, (it) will mark a major strategic shift."
U.S. officials are concerned about Russia's stated intention to suspend its participation in the Conventional Armed Forces in Europe Treaty and hope the differences can be resolved.
Lavrov opened the news conference on a positive note, remarking that the meeting reaffirmed that all participants "realize their responsibility for world security and a strategic partnership."
He also said the Russians agreed to make the two-plus-two format permanent and to meet again in Washington in six months to follow up on their work on "practical implementation of initiatives put forward by the two countries jointly and implemented jointly in the area of strategic stability."
He said this includes the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, strengthening of cooperative regimes, countering nuclear terrorism, the development of cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy, and the "universalization" of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, a Cold War-era treaty limiting Russian and U.S. short- and medium-range missiles.
The treaty limits the Russian Federation and the United States in their ability to have appropriate military systems, Lavrov said. "Since the threat of missile proliferation is growing, we agreed that we need to invite all countries without an exclusion to engage in this regime."
Lavrov noted that the two parties also could use the two-plus-two meetings to discuss issues on which their views diverge, and one of these issues is missile defense. He said Russian experts will examine proposals put forward today by the Americans aimed at finding common ground.
Russian officials' views "diverge about the assessment of the character of the missile proliferation threat," Lavrov said, and experts will focus and collaborate on a joint understanding of the threat.
"If it has to do with the protection of Europe and the United States, let's realistically look at who can threaten them," Lavrov stressed. "If we succeed in hammering out these criteria, it may become clear that there is no need in this third positioning region."
He also called on the Americans to freeze their plans to deploy missile defense assets in Europe while U.S. and Russian experts work on resolving the two nations' differences.
Lavrov said the two parties agreed to continue work on the Conventional Armed Forces in Europe Treaty. This summer, the Russians put forth proposals on how to save the treaty and keep it viable, he said. Today, the Americans made their proposals, which he said "is a step in the right direction, but this step is insufficient."
The Russian minister said the two nations must work out an arrangement following the end of the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty. He added that Russian officials realize the relevance of the treaty and the importance of a follow-on treaty.
Lavrov called for a "holistic approach" to dealing with all matters of strategic stability that are on the agenda of Russian-American relations.
America Supports You: Group, Restaurant Round-up Troop Support
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 12, 2007 - A South Carolina-based troop-support group and a national restaurant chain have teamed up to see that at least 500,000 servicemembers get a note of thanks this holiday season. Nearly 500 Golden Corral restaurants across the country are offering patrons the chance to pen a note of thanks to servicemembers through Nov. 15. The non-profit group Operation Thank You will include all the cards the program generates in holiday care packages for deployed troops, said Brian Bohlman, the organization's founder and a captain in the South Carolina Air National Guard.
Operation Thank You is a supporter of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad.
"(Golden Corral) saw that we had a goal to send 150,000 cards to our troops," Bohlman, a military chaplain, said. "The said they really didn't want to duplicate what we were doing, but the idea was that they could print up a similar card, a 'thank you' card ... if we would help get those into the hands of our troops during the holidays."
The program began in 2006 when Bohlman was deployed to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany. He arrived with 5,000 cards of support for the troops.
He placed the cards in public areas where any patient or hospital employee passing by could read them. But one soldier gave Bohlman the inspiration to continue collecting notes for the troops.
"He stopped me in the hall, and he told me he read through like 100 cards," Bohlman said. "He said it was the best medicine that he had ever received."
That was all the encouragement the chaplain needed. His organization decided 150,000 cards would just about cover troops in Afghanistan and Iraq, as well as some of the military hospitals, he said.
"Out of our inventory, we're about halfway there," Bohlman said. "We have some big events coming up in the next few months so we hope to have our batch of 150,000 finished, but if not, Golden Corral's definitely helping us go over the top."
It appears that not only will Golden Corral reach its goal of 500,000 cards collected from diners, it may exceed the goal. Bohlman said some of the restaurants are reporting they're almost out of the cards, which can be dropped into a box as customers leave the store.
"Some people, because it's designed like a post card, ... just take it home, put a stamp on it and just drop it in the mail," he said.
The restaurant is strongly encouraging its customers to drop them in the boxes, however. "They actually want to have an opportunity to proofread them before they get to me," Bohlman said.
Golden Corral also is conducting its seventh annual Military Appreciation Monday on Nov. 12. On this day, all 485 restaurants will offer a free "thank you" dinner buffet and beverage to any person who has served in the U.S. military.
A new component of this year's event is an essay contest open to anyone who has served or has a parent who has served in the military. Essays of 1,000 words or less should explain why the entrant is proud of their service or that of their parents. Three prizes, starting at $1,000, will be awarded to further the winners' educations.
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 12, 2007 - A South Carolina-based troop-support group and a national restaurant chain have teamed up to see that at least 500,000 servicemembers get a note of thanks this holiday season. Nearly 500 Golden Corral restaurants across the country are offering patrons the chance to pen a note of thanks to servicemembers through Nov. 15. The non-profit group Operation Thank You will include all the cards the program generates in holiday care packages for deployed troops, said Brian Bohlman, the organization's founder and a captain in the South Carolina Air National Guard.
Operation Thank You is a supporter of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad.
"(Golden Corral) saw that we had a goal to send 150,000 cards to our troops," Bohlman, a military chaplain, said. "The said they really didn't want to duplicate what we were doing, but the idea was that they could print up a similar card, a 'thank you' card ... if we would help get those into the hands of our troops during the holidays."
The program began in 2006 when Bohlman was deployed to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany. He arrived with 5,000 cards of support for the troops.
He placed the cards in public areas where any patient or hospital employee passing by could read them. But one soldier gave Bohlman the inspiration to continue collecting notes for the troops.
"He stopped me in the hall, and he told me he read through like 100 cards," Bohlman said. "He said it was the best medicine that he had ever received."
That was all the encouragement the chaplain needed. His organization decided 150,000 cards would just about cover troops in Afghanistan and Iraq, as well as some of the military hospitals, he said.
"Out of our inventory, we're about halfway there," Bohlman said. "We have some big events coming up in the next few months so we hope to have our batch of 150,000 finished, but if not, Golden Corral's definitely helping us go over the top."
It appears that not only will Golden Corral reach its goal of 500,000 cards collected from diners, it may exceed the goal. Bohlman said some of the restaurants are reporting they're almost out of the cards, which can be dropped into a box as customers leave the store.
"Some people, because it's designed like a post card, ... just take it home, put a stamp on it and just drop it in the mail," he said.
The restaurant is strongly encouraging its customers to drop them in the boxes, however. "They actually want to have an opportunity to proofread them before they get to me," Bohlman said.
Golden Corral also is conducting its seventh annual Military Appreciation Monday on Nov. 12. On this day, all 485 restaurants will offer a free "thank you" dinner buffet and beverage to any person who has served in the U.S. military.
A new component of this year's event is an essay contest open to anyone who has served or has a parent who has served in the military. Essays of 1,000 words or less should explain why the entrant is proud of their service or that of their parents. Three prizes, starting at $1,000, will be awarded to further the winners' educations.
Why We Serve: Combat Medic Saves Lives Using New Evacuation System
By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 12, 2007 - A veteran Air Force combat medic helped to transform the way wounded troops are treated and evacuated during a recent deployment to Afghanistan. Tech Sgt. Mark A. DeCorte recalled the previous practice when unarmed battlefield medics were flown in to treat and evacuate injured servicemembers usually after an area had been cleared of the enemy.
However, DeCorte emphasized, "When you have a wounded soldier on the ground, they need help now."
DeCorte is among a group of 10 servicemembers who served in Iraq, Afghanistan or the Horn of Africa who have been selected to tell the military's story to the American people at community, business, veteran's and other gatherings as part of the Defense Department's "Why We Serve" public outreach program.
Why We Serve began last fall and was originally the idea of former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Marine Gen. Peter Pace. Representatives from all the service branches participate in the program, which is conducted in quarterly segments. DeCorte and the other nine servicemembers in his group constitute the fifth iteration since the program began.
"I think the program is awesome," DeCorte said, noting that Americans need to hear the success stories and sacrifices of U.S. servicemembers deployed overseas in the war against terrorism.
The concept of treating and evacuating injured servicemembers during the din of battle was tested during DeCorte's tour of duty in Afghanistan from February to June 2006, the 13-year military veteran said.
The Army had requested Air Force assistance to improve its air-ambulance capabilities in Afghanistan's austere, mountainous terrain, DeCorte explained.
Previous doctrine was to send in medical-evacuation helicopters after the fighting had stopped, he noted, but this practice meant that some troops wouldn't survive the trip to the hospital. That procedure would change.
In Afghanistan, DeCorte was one of several military medics embedded with aerial combat-support units. Instead of using traditional rotary- or fixed-wing aircraft marked with red crosses, the new wave combat medics carried arms as they flew directly into the maelstrom aboard armored helicopter gunships.
The idea, DeCorte explained, was to treat the wounded as quickly as possible. And, when the concept was tested on the battlefield, it contributed to achieving a previously unimagined wounded-survivability rate of 90 percent, he said.
"We can now go in embedded (with combat units) and part of the operation," DeCorte said.
And instead of the famous but fragile UH-1 "Huey" helicopters that were used to evacuate wounded U.S. troops during the Vietnam War, DeCorte and his fellow medics today fly into action aboard HH-60-G Pave Hawk helicopters, the same aircraft favored by U.S. Special Operations troops.
"What that led to is a brand-new capability," DeCorte pointed out, noting that the Pave Hawks' specialized equipment enables nighttime, as well as daytime, medical evacuations.
"We can come in with weapons," DeCorte said. "We can actually get the wounded as they're being wounded."
A servicemember's odds of surviving battlefield-inflicted wounds go way up if he or she can be evacuated to a treatment center within an hour of being injured, DeCorte pointed out. In medical parlance that period of time is known as "the golden hour," he said.
"If I can get you to surgery within an hour you most likely have a chance to survive," DeCorte said.
The Minot, N.D.-born noncommissioned officer saved 36 lives during his 63 combat sorties in southern Afghanistan. "It's very bad in that area," DeCorte observed, adding that two of his fellow combat medics on other air-evacuation flights saved another 102 lives between them.
When not saving lives, the air-ambulance crews also performed aerial resupply and other support missions not traditionally performed by combat medics, DeCorte said.
DeCorte's wife, Lorretta, also is an Air Force medic. Although family life can sometimes get hectic with four children and military deployments, DeCorte said he's in the military for the long haul.
"I don't want to sit in the rear. I need to put my uniform on and get there in the fight and bring those soldiers home," he concluded.
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 12, 2007 - A veteran Air Force combat medic helped to transform the way wounded troops are treated and evacuated during a recent deployment to Afghanistan. Tech Sgt. Mark A. DeCorte recalled the previous practice when unarmed battlefield medics were flown in to treat and evacuate injured servicemembers usually after an area had been cleared of the enemy.
However, DeCorte emphasized, "When you have a wounded soldier on the ground, they need help now."
DeCorte is among a group of 10 servicemembers who served in Iraq, Afghanistan or the Horn of Africa who have been selected to tell the military's story to the American people at community, business, veteran's and other gatherings as part of the Defense Department's "Why We Serve" public outreach program.
Why We Serve began last fall and was originally the idea of former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Marine Gen. Peter Pace. Representatives from all the service branches participate in the program, which is conducted in quarterly segments. DeCorte and the other nine servicemembers in his group constitute the fifth iteration since the program began.
"I think the program is awesome," DeCorte said, noting that Americans need to hear the success stories and sacrifices of U.S. servicemembers deployed overseas in the war against terrorism.
The concept of treating and evacuating injured servicemembers during the din of battle was tested during DeCorte's tour of duty in Afghanistan from February to June 2006, the 13-year military veteran said.
The Army had requested Air Force assistance to improve its air-ambulance capabilities in Afghanistan's austere, mountainous terrain, DeCorte explained.
Previous doctrine was to send in medical-evacuation helicopters after the fighting had stopped, he noted, but this practice meant that some troops wouldn't survive the trip to the hospital. That procedure would change.
In Afghanistan, DeCorte was one of several military medics embedded with aerial combat-support units. Instead of using traditional rotary- or fixed-wing aircraft marked with red crosses, the new wave combat medics carried arms as they flew directly into the maelstrom aboard armored helicopter gunships.
The idea, DeCorte explained, was to treat the wounded as quickly as possible. And, when the concept was tested on the battlefield, it contributed to achieving a previously unimagined wounded-survivability rate of 90 percent, he said.
"We can now go in embedded (with combat units) and part of the operation," DeCorte said.
And instead of the famous but fragile UH-1 "Huey" helicopters that were used to evacuate wounded U.S. troops during the Vietnam War, DeCorte and his fellow medics today fly into action aboard HH-60-G Pave Hawk helicopters, the same aircraft favored by U.S. Special Operations troops.
"What that led to is a brand-new capability," DeCorte pointed out, noting that the Pave Hawks' specialized equipment enables nighttime, as well as daytime, medical evacuations.
"We can come in with weapons," DeCorte said. "We can actually get the wounded as they're being wounded."
A servicemember's odds of surviving battlefield-inflicted wounds go way up if he or she can be evacuated to a treatment center within an hour of being injured, DeCorte pointed out. In medical parlance that period of time is known as "the golden hour," he said.
"If I can get you to surgery within an hour you most likely have a chance to survive," DeCorte said.
The Minot, N.D.-born noncommissioned officer saved 36 lives during his 63 combat sorties in southern Afghanistan. "It's very bad in that area," DeCorte observed, adding that two of his fellow combat medics on other air-evacuation flights saved another 102 lives between them.
When not saving lives, the air-ambulance crews also performed aerial resupply and other support missions not traditionally performed by combat medics, DeCorte said.
DeCorte's wife, Lorretta, also is an Air Force medic. Although family life can sometimes get hectic with four children and military deployments, DeCorte said he's in the military for the long haul.
"I don't want to sit in the rear. I need to put my uniform on and get there in the fight and bring those soldiers home," he concluded.
Gates Travels to London, Moscow
By Linda D. Kozaryn
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 11, 2007 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates arrived here this morning at the start of a four-day, two-country trip to meet with senior officials in London and Moscow. This is Gates' second trip to London since taking office; his first trip was in January. He is scheduled to meet with British Secretary of State for Defense Desmond Browne and with Prime Minister Gordon Brown.
A senior defense official traveling with Gates and speaking on background said the purpose of the stop in London is to continue dialogue on U.S.-U.K. relations now that the new British government is in place. Operations in Iraq and Afghanistan will be on the agenda, he said.
Gates will discuss the situation in Iraq, the defense official said, noting that U.S. officials have briefed the British leadership and Parliament on the report that Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, commander of Multinational Force Iraq, and U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Ryan C. Crocker delivered to Congress in September.
The British decision to draw down their forces in Iraq from 5,000 to 2,500 troops did not come as a surprise to U.S. leaders, the defense official told reporters traveling with Gates. The British consulted with their allies and made it clear they had based their decision on sound judgments and military assessments of the conditions, the official said.
"Any of the decisions that the British government has made has been done in consultation with military commanders on the ground, and has been discussed with General Petraeus and in dialogue between Secretary Gates and Secretary Browne," the defense official said.
Pentagon spokesman Geoff Morrell, traveling with Gates, said the British will retain forces in southern Iraq to serve as trainers and as a rapid deployment force. The drawdown will not result in more U.S. troops being sent to Iraq, he said.
Gates also will discuss NATO's International Security Assistance Force operations in Afghanistan, the defense official said. The secretary and the British leaders will most likely discuss what the emphasis should be in talking with NATO ministers at an upcoming NATO ministerial two weeks from now.
NATO took command of operations in Afghanistan nearly a year ago, he said, and the ministers will consider: "Has it been a good year or a bad year; how has 2006 been compared to 2007; and what needs to be done force-wise and trainer-wise for 2008?"
He noted that Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe is soon due to release a revised combined joint statement of requirements, and "any numbers will be based on what's in that document."
British leaders have said they would like to do more in Afghanistan, the defense official added.
Talks between the U.S. and British leaders also may address relations with Russia, which have been strained recently over the death of ex-spy Alexander Litvinenko, who died in a London hospital in November 2006 from radiation poisoning. Tensions also have developed between the two countries due to Russia's resumption of long-range bomber flights. In an incident in July, Royal Air Force jets scrambled to intercept two Russian strategic bombers heading toward British airspace.
"Since we're going to Russia, the secretary may want to get the sense of current U.K.-Russian relations," the official said. "I'm sure the secretary will be curious just to get the reaction from his colleagues of how they see things going with Russia over the next few months -- if they see the status of relations improving and what would it take to improve (relations)."
In Russia, Gates is slated to meet with President Vladimir Putin, Defense Minister Anatoliy Eduardovich Serdyukov and other senior officials. U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice also will be attending the meetings in Russia.
This is Gates' second trip in two weeks. He traveled to five Latin American countries Oct. 2 to 6 to enhance longstanding defense ties and to visit the USNS Comfort. The Navy hospital ship has been providing medical care to Latin American and Caribbean nations for the past four months.
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 11, 2007 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates arrived here this morning at the start of a four-day, two-country trip to meet with senior officials in London and Moscow. This is Gates' second trip to London since taking office; his first trip was in January. He is scheduled to meet with British Secretary of State for Defense Desmond Browne and with Prime Minister Gordon Brown.
A senior defense official traveling with Gates and speaking on background said the purpose of the stop in London is to continue dialogue on U.S.-U.K. relations now that the new British government is in place. Operations in Iraq and Afghanistan will be on the agenda, he said.
Gates will discuss the situation in Iraq, the defense official said, noting that U.S. officials have briefed the British leadership and Parliament on the report that Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, commander of Multinational Force Iraq, and U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Ryan C. Crocker delivered to Congress in September.
The British decision to draw down their forces in Iraq from 5,000 to 2,500 troops did not come as a surprise to U.S. leaders, the defense official told reporters traveling with Gates. The British consulted with their allies and made it clear they had based their decision on sound judgments and military assessments of the conditions, the official said.
"Any of the decisions that the British government has made has been done in consultation with military commanders on the ground, and has been discussed with General Petraeus and in dialogue between Secretary Gates and Secretary Browne," the defense official said.
Pentagon spokesman Geoff Morrell, traveling with Gates, said the British will retain forces in southern Iraq to serve as trainers and as a rapid deployment force. The drawdown will not result in more U.S. troops being sent to Iraq, he said.
Gates also will discuss NATO's International Security Assistance Force operations in Afghanistan, the defense official said. The secretary and the British leaders will most likely discuss what the emphasis should be in talking with NATO ministers at an upcoming NATO ministerial two weeks from now.
NATO took command of operations in Afghanistan nearly a year ago, he said, and the ministers will consider: "Has it been a good year or a bad year; how has 2006 been compared to 2007; and what needs to be done force-wise and trainer-wise for 2008?"
He noted that Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe is soon due to release a revised combined joint statement of requirements, and "any numbers will be based on what's in that document."
British leaders have said they would like to do more in Afghanistan, the defense official added.
Talks between the U.S. and British leaders also may address relations with Russia, which have been strained recently over the death of ex-spy Alexander Litvinenko, who died in a London hospital in November 2006 from radiation poisoning. Tensions also have developed between the two countries due to Russia's resumption of long-range bomber flights. In an incident in July, Royal Air Force jets scrambled to intercept two Russian strategic bombers heading toward British airspace.
"Since we're going to Russia, the secretary may want to get the sense of current U.K.-Russian relations," the official said. "I'm sure the secretary will be curious just to get the reaction from his colleagues of how they see things going with Russia over the next few months -- if they see the status of relations improving and what would it take to improve (relations)."
In Russia, Gates is slated to meet with President Vladimir Putin, Defense Minister Anatoliy Eduardovich Serdyukov and other senior officials. U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice also will be attending the meetings in Russia.
This is Gates' second trip in two weeks. He traveled to five Latin American countries Oct. 2 to 6 to enhance longstanding defense ties and to visit the USNS Comfort. The Navy hospital ship has been providing medical care to Latin American and Caribbean nations for the past four months.
New Agreement to Help Balance Active Army, National Guard
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 11, 2007 - A new agreement between the active Army and Army National Guard represents a big step toward achieving the force structure balance Army Chief of Staff Gen. George W. Casey Jr. calls critical to the Army's transformation. Senior Army leaders signed a memo of understanding Oct. 9 during the Association of the U.S. Army convention here to firm up a plan to rebalance force structure and resources between the active and reserve components.
Under the plan, the Army National Guard will have 112 brigades: 28 brigade combat teams, 46 multifunctional brigades and 38 functional brigades. It is slated to grow by more than 5,000 troops to 358,000 in 2013. Almost 321,000 of those soldiers will be in the operational force.
The plan also ensures Guard units, many underequipped after leaving their best equipment in the combat theater for follow-on units, receive replacement equipment on par with their active-duty counterparts.
Gen. Richard A. Cody, Army vice chief of staff, joined Lt. Gen. Clyde Vaughn, director of the Army National Guard, and Maj. Gen. Bennett Landreneau, Louisiana's adjutant general and chairman of the Adjutants General Association Force Structure Committee, at the signing ceremony at the Washington Convention Center.
Cody called the plan a "necessary journey" that will "make our Army stronger."
Vaughn said the plan will reduce stress on the force by providing more formations in the deployment cycle. "It's more capacity for the Army," he said.
He pointed to the talks that led to the agreement as a model for the future. "This is the way we need to go in (addressing) some of the hard things," he said.
Casey called adapting the reserve components a key element in the Army's transformation and its ability to confront what is expected to be an era of "persistent conflict."
"Our reserve components are performing magnificently, but in an operational role for which they were neither designed nor resourced," he said during an address to AUSA attendees Oct. 9. "They are no longer a strategic reserve, mobilized only in national emergencies. They are now an operational reserve deployed on a cyclical basis," enabling the Army to sustain operations.
"Operationalizing" the reserve components "will require national and state consensus, as well as continued commitment from employers, soldiers and families," Casey said. "It will require changes to the way we train, equip, resource and mobilize."
It also will require changes to outdated Cold War-era administrative policies that inhibit reservists' ability to serve. "We changed the paradigm for our reserve-component soldiers and families, and we owe it to them to make this transition right," Casey said.
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 11, 2007 - A new agreement between the active Army and Army National Guard represents a big step toward achieving the force structure balance Army Chief of Staff Gen. George W. Casey Jr. calls critical to the Army's transformation. Senior Army leaders signed a memo of understanding Oct. 9 during the Association of the U.S. Army convention here to firm up a plan to rebalance force structure and resources between the active and reserve components.
Under the plan, the Army National Guard will have 112 brigades: 28 brigade combat teams, 46 multifunctional brigades and 38 functional brigades. It is slated to grow by more than 5,000 troops to 358,000 in 2013. Almost 321,000 of those soldiers will be in the operational force.
The plan also ensures Guard units, many underequipped after leaving their best equipment in the combat theater for follow-on units, receive replacement equipment on par with their active-duty counterparts.
Gen. Richard A. Cody, Army vice chief of staff, joined Lt. Gen. Clyde Vaughn, director of the Army National Guard, and Maj. Gen. Bennett Landreneau, Louisiana's adjutant general and chairman of the Adjutants General Association Force Structure Committee, at the signing ceremony at the Washington Convention Center.
Cody called the plan a "necessary journey" that will "make our Army stronger."
Vaughn said the plan will reduce stress on the force by providing more formations in the deployment cycle. "It's more capacity for the Army," he said.
He pointed to the talks that led to the agreement as a model for the future. "This is the way we need to go in (addressing) some of the hard things," he said.
Casey called adapting the reserve components a key element in the Army's transformation and its ability to confront what is expected to be an era of "persistent conflict."
"Our reserve components are performing magnificently, but in an operational role for which they were neither designed nor resourced," he said during an address to AUSA attendees Oct. 9. "They are no longer a strategic reserve, mobilized only in national emergencies. They are now an operational reserve deployed on a cyclical basis," enabling the Army to sustain operations.
"Operationalizing" the reserve components "will require national and state consensus, as well as continued commitment from employers, soldiers and families," Casey said. "It will require changes to the way we train, equip, resource and mobilize."
It also will require changes to outdated Cold War-era administrative policies that inhibit reservists' ability to serve. "We changed the paradigm for our reserve-component soldiers and families, and we owe it to them to make this transition right," Casey said.
America Supports You: Group Gears Up to Send Holiday Goodies
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 11, 2007 - In California, a modern-day Mrs. Claus is rallying her helpers once again to fill care packages with goodies for troops serving far from home during the upcoming holiday season. Though Operation Gratitude's "Holiday Drive 2007" doesn't officially kick off until the first "packing party" scheduled for Veterans Day weekend, the group's volunteers already are hard at work, founder Carolyn Blashek said.
"Our volunteers have already started the prep process (of) soliciting for products, collecting troop names, and sorting, inspecting ... and folding products," she said.
Additional packing weekends are scheduled for Nov. 23-24, Dec. 15-30 and Dec. 29-30. Blashek said she expects not only to fill about 60,000 care packages in those four weekends, but also to reach another milestone.
"(Operation Gratitude's) 300,000th package will be assembled on Dec. 15 with a projected delivery on or near Dec. 24," she said. "We already have a very wonderful commitment for another exciting gift!"
Blashek is keeping that tidbit to herself for the time being, but recipients of the 200,000th and 250,000th packages each received a new car. Marine Lance Cpl. Jordan Richards, the recipient of the 200,000th package, received a new Dodge Caliber. Blashek is hoping to present Army Spc. Alfonso Sanchez, the recipient of the 250,000th package, with the keys to his new Jeep Patriot by the end of the year.
Those receiving an Operation Gratitude care package won't be disappointed even if it's not the milestone 300,000th box, though. Blashek said packages will include food items, T-shirts, toiletries, greeting cards, as well as DVDs, CDs and other entertainment items.
"In addition, we are looking at generous commitments for computer flash drives and small plush toys," she said, adding that a new and "vastly improved" Operation Gratitude Magazine with letters from "very special people" will be included in the boxes.
This campaign marks Operation Gratitude's fifth holiday drive, but Blashek hasn't lost her enthusiasm for showing her appreciation to troops. In fact, she said, it's the troops' e-mails, and one in particular, that help keep her going.
She recently received an e-mail from a soldier whose unit was getting ready to head home. He just wanted to thank Blashek and let her know that she was doing more than just packing boxes. "Your care packages helped lift morale here greatly, and you should know helped save the life of a young soldier," he wrote.
That young soldier never got anything at mail call and didn't have much family back home, the writer said. His unit learned later that he had planned to commit suicide on Christmas, but changed his mind after receiving one of Operation Gratitude's care packages.
"The soldier now writes letters and e-mails to folks whose names were in the bo,x and the soldier's attitude and outlook on life has really improved," the writer told Blashek. "Your care package made a major difference in a human life."
Letters like that motivate all of Operation Gratitude's volunteers to push on, Blashek said.
Operation Gratitude is a supporter of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad.
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 11, 2007 - In California, a modern-day Mrs. Claus is rallying her helpers once again to fill care packages with goodies for troops serving far from home during the upcoming holiday season. Though Operation Gratitude's "Holiday Drive 2007" doesn't officially kick off until the first "packing party" scheduled for Veterans Day weekend, the group's volunteers already are hard at work, founder Carolyn Blashek said.
"Our volunteers have already started the prep process (of) soliciting for products, collecting troop names, and sorting, inspecting ... and folding products," she said.
Additional packing weekends are scheduled for Nov. 23-24, Dec. 15-30 and Dec. 29-30. Blashek said she expects not only to fill about 60,000 care packages in those four weekends, but also to reach another milestone.
"(Operation Gratitude's) 300,000th package will be assembled on Dec. 15 with a projected delivery on or near Dec. 24," she said. "We already have a very wonderful commitment for another exciting gift!"
Blashek is keeping that tidbit to herself for the time being, but recipients of the 200,000th and 250,000th packages each received a new car. Marine Lance Cpl. Jordan Richards, the recipient of the 200,000th package, received a new Dodge Caliber. Blashek is hoping to present Army Spc. Alfonso Sanchez, the recipient of the 250,000th package, with the keys to his new Jeep Patriot by the end of the year.
Those receiving an Operation Gratitude care package won't be disappointed even if it's not the milestone 300,000th box, though. Blashek said packages will include food items, T-shirts, toiletries, greeting cards, as well as DVDs, CDs and other entertainment items.
"In addition, we are looking at generous commitments for computer flash drives and small plush toys," she said, adding that a new and "vastly improved" Operation Gratitude Magazine with letters from "very special people" will be included in the boxes.
This campaign marks Operation Gratitude's fifth holiday drive, but Blashek hasn't lost her enthusiasm for showing her appreciation to troops. In fact, she said, it's the troops' e-mails, and one in particular, that help keep her going.
She recently received an e-mail from a soldier whose unit was getting ready to head home. He just wanted to thank Blashek and let her know that she was doing more than just packing boxes. "Your care packages helped lift morale here greatly, and you should know helped save the life of a young soldier," he wrote.
That young soldier never got anything at mail call and didn't have much family back home, the writer said. His unit learned later that he had planned to commit suicide on Christmas, but changed his mind after receiving one of Operation Gratitude's care packages.
"The soldier now writes letters and e-mails to folks whose names were in the bo,x and the soldier's attitude and outlook on life has really improved," the writer told Blashek. "Your care package made a major difference in a human life."
Letters like that motivate all of Operation Gratitude's volunteers to push on, Blashek said.
Operation Gratitude is a supporter of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad.
Roughead Takes Navy's Helm
By Sgt. Sara Wood, USA
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 11, 2007 - Promising to maintain the Navy's warfighting capability while building for the future and taking care of sailors and their families, Navy Adm. Gary Roughead assumed duties today as the chief of naval operations. "I'm excited to be the CNO, and I'm honored and humbled and reminded by this setting of the scope and sweep of the task ahead," Roughead said at a ceremony at the Washington Navy Yard.
Roughead takes over the duties of leading the Navy from Adm. Michael G. Mullen, who was sworn in Oct. 1 as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
At the ceremony, Navy Secretary Donald C. Winter thanked Mullen for his service and noted that Roughead takes charge of the Navy at an especially challenging time. The Navy is engaged in the war effort at an unprecedented level while also preparing for future challenges and building maritime partnerships with nations around the world, Winter said.
"We do not have the gift of clairvoyance; we cannot plan for a future along known paths," Winter said. "We must be prepared for many future paths, many dangers and many potential threats. And that requires, above all, a long-term perspective and a long-term commitment to building a Navy capable of meeting 21st-century challenges."
Roughead has the long-term perspective needed to lead the Navy at this time, Winter said. He said he and the admiral agree that America is a maritime nation, that the Navy must modernize its fleet, and that cooperative engagement policy is critical to future national security.
"Admiral Roughead is a man with a long-term, strategic perspective and a long track record as an exceptionally talented leader in challenging positions of responsibility and command at sea and on shore," Winter said. "He is the right leader to assume command of the Navy during these challenging times, and he takes the helm of an organization of which America is justly proud."
In accepting his responsibilities, Roughead noted that much has changed since his early days in the Navy, but what hasn't changed is the importance of American sailors in operations around the world. Sailors now conduct combat operations in the Middle East, partnerships with nations in the Pacific and the Americas, and humanitarian operations, among other things, he said.
"They all represent a new dimension of our Navy, a dimension in which we can all take pride," he said. "We are truly a ready, an agile, and a global Navy. It's an exciting time to serve, and I'm proud and eager to lead this Navy. "
The Navy's role in providing combat-ready forces to the joint force and allies will not change, and is in fact increasing as the military operates more in South America and Africa, he said.
"We live in a changing security environment, and we cannot afford to rest on our laurels and expect to achieve future success," Roughead said. "Our ships, our submarines, our aircraft, our networks, our weapons systems must stay ahead of potential adversaries."
As the Navy moves into the future, people are key, Roughead said. The service's policies must attract, recruit and retain young men and women and be unwavering in the obligation to take care of those who serve, he said.
"All we acquire and all we do is of little worth without the people who give it value," he said.
The Navy is not alone as it moves forward, Roughead acknowledged. Next week, he and the commandants of the Marine Corps and Coast Guard are attending the 18th International Sea Power Symposium in Newport, R.I., where representatives of more than 100 countries will come together to discuss maritime issues.
"More nations see the need, the imperative for sea power," he said. "They see that security and prosperity depend on the free flow of commerce on the world's oceans. They see that one nation does not do it alone. They see that cooperation is better than confrontation."
Roughead said that he is optimistic about the course the Navy is taking, and he remains inspired by those who serve. "I find promises in the bridges of trust that we are building at sea among those who see a better world because of what we are able to do collectively," he said. "I look forward to it all."
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 11, 2007 - Promising to maintain the Navy's warfighting capability while building for the future and taking care of sailors and their families, Navy Adm. Gary Roughead assumed duties today as the chief of naval operations. "I'm excited to be the CNO, and I'm honored and humbled and reminded by this setting of the scope and sweep of the task ahead," Roughead said at a ceremony at the Washington Navy Yard.
Roughead takes over the duties of leading the Navy from Adm. Michael G. Mullen, who was sworn in Oct. 1 as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
At the ceremony, Navy Secretary Donald C. Winter thanked Mullen for his service and noted that Roughead takes charge of the Navy at an especially challenging time. The Navy is engaged in the war effort at an unprecedented level while also preparing for future challenges and building maritime partnerships with nations around the world, Winter said.
"We do not have the gift of clairvoyance; we cannot plan for a future along known paths," Winter said. "We must be prepared for many future paths, many dangers and many potential threats. And that requires, above all, a long-term perspective and a long-term commitment to building a Navy capable of meeting 21st-century challenges."
Roughead has the long-term perspective needed to lead the Navy at this time, Winter said. He said he and the admiral agree that America is a maritime nation, that the Navy must modernize its fleet, and that cooperative engagement policy is critical to future national security.
"Admiral Roughead is a man with a long-term, strategic perspective and a long track record as an exceptionally talented leader in challenging positions of responsibility and command at sea and on shore," Winter said. "He is the right leader to assume command of the Navy during these challenging times, and he takes the helm of an organization of which America is justly proud."
In accepting his responsibilities, Roughead noted that much has changed since his early days in the Navy, but what hasn't changed is the importance of American sailors in operations around the world. Sailors now conduct combat operations in the Middle East, partnerships with nations in the Pacific and the Americas, and humanitarian operations, among other things, he said.
"They all represent a new dimension of our Navy, a dimension in which we can all take pride," he said. "We are truly a ready, an agile, and a global Navy. It's an exciting time to serve, and I'm proud and eager to lead this Navy. "
The Navy's role in providing combat-ready forces to the joint force and allies will not change, and is in fact increasing as the military operates more in South America and Africa, he said.
"We live in a changing security environment, and we cannot afford to rest on our laurels and expect to achieve future success," Roughead said. "Our ships, our submarines, our aircraft, our networks, our weapons systems must stay ahead of potential adversaries."
As the Navy moves into the future, people are key, Roughead said. The service's policies must attract, recruit and retain young men and women and be unwavering in the obligation to take care of those who serve, he said.
"All we acquire and all we do is of little worth without the people who give it value," he said.
The Navy is not alone as it moves forward, Roughead acknowledged. Next week, he and the commandants of the Marine Corps and Coast Guard are attending the 18th International Sea Power Symposium in Newport, R.I., where representatives of more than 100 countries will come together to discuss maritime issues.
"More nations see the need, the imperative for sea power," he said. "They see that security and prosperity depend on the free flow of commerce on the world's oceans. They see that one nation does not do it alone. They see that cooperation is better than confrontation."
Roughead said that he is optimistic about the course the Navy is taking, and he remains inspired by those who serve. "I find promises in the bridges of trust that we are building at sea among those who see a better world because of what we are able to do collectively," he said. "I look forward to it all."
Nine Missing WWII Airmen are Identified
The Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that the remains of nine U.S. servicemen, missing in action from World War II, have been identified and are being returned to their families for burial with full military honors.
They are 1st Lt. David P. McMurray, of Melrose, Mass.; 1st Lt. Raymond Pascual, of Houston, Texas; 2nd Lt. Millard C. Wells Jr., of Paris, Ky.; Tech. Sgt. Leonard J. Ray, of Upper Falls, Md.; Tech. Sgt. Hyman L. Stiglitz, of Boston, Mass.; Staff Sgt. Robert L. Cotey, of Vergennes, Vt.; Staff Sgt. Francis E. Larrivee, of Laconia, N.H.; Staff Sgt. Robert J. Flood, of Neelyton, Pa.; and Staff Sgt. Walter O. Schlosser, of Lake City, Mich.; all U.S. Army Air Forces. Ray and Flood were buried last week in Harford County, Md., and Dry Run, Pa., respectively. The burials of the other servicemen will be at Arlington National Cemetery near Washington, D.C. on a date to be determined.
Representatives from the Army met with the next-of-kin of these men in their hometowns to explain the recovery and identification process and to coordinate interment with military honors on behalf of the secretary of the Army.
On July 7, 1944, the men were aboard a B-24J Liberator that departed North Pickenham, England, on a mission to bomb a German aircraft factory near Bernburg, Germany. The plane was last seen by U.S. aircrew members in that vicinity. Captured records revealed that it had crashed near Westeregeln, about 20 miles northwest of the target in what would become the Soviet sector of a post-war-divided Germany.
In 2001, a group of German citizens interested in recovering wartime relics and remains learned of a potential crash site south of Westeregeln. Later that year and in 2002, the group found the site and uncovered human remains from what appeared to be two burial locations. The remains and other personal effects, including identification tags, were turned over to U.S. officials.
In 2003, a Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC) team excavated the crash site and recovered additional remains, identification tags and non-biological material evidence.
Among dental records, other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from JPAC and the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory also used mitochondrial DNA in the identification of the remains.
For additional information on the Defense Department's mission to account for missing Americans, visit the DPMO Web site at http://www.dtic.mil/dpmo/ or call (703) 699-1169.
They are 1st Lt. David P. McMurray, of Melrose, Mass.; 1st Lt. Raymond Pascual, of Houston, Texas; 2nd Lt. Millard C. Wells Jr., of Paris, Ky.; Tech. Sgt. Leonard J. Ray, of Upper Falls, Md.; Tech. Sgt. Hyman L. Stiglitz, of Boston, Mass.; Staff Sgt. Robert L. Cotey, of Vergennes, Vt.; Staff Sgt. Francis E. Larrivee, of Laconia, N.H.; Staff Sgt. Robert J. Flood, of Neelyton, Pa.; and Staff Sgt. Walter O. Schlosser, of Lake City, Mich.; all U.S. Army Air Forces. Ray and Flood were buried last week in Harford County, Md., and Dry Run, Pa., respectively. The burials of the other servicemen will be at Arlington National Cemetery near Washington, D.C. on a date to be determined.
Representatives from the Army met with the next-of-kin of these men in their hometowns to explain the recovery and identification process and to coordinate interment with military honors on behalf of the secretary of the Army.
On July 7, 1944, the men were aboard a B-24J Liberator that departed North Pickenham, England, on a mission to bomb a German aircraft factory near Bernburg, Germany. The plane was last seen by U.S. aircrew members in that vicinity. Captured records revealed that it had crashed near Westeregeln, about 20 miles northwest of the target in what would become the Soviet sector of a post-war-divided Germany.
In 2001, a group of German citizens interested in recovering wartime relics and remains learned of a potential crash site south of Westeregeln. Later that year and in 2002, the group found the site and uncovered human remains from what appeared to be two burial locations. The remains and other personal effects, including identification tags, were turned over to U.S. officials.
In 2003, a Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC) team excavated the crash site and recovered additional remains, identification tags and non-biological material evidence.
Among dental records, other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from JPAC and the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory also used mitochondrial DNA in the identification of the remains.
For additional information on the Defense Department's mission to account for missing Americans, visit the DPMO Web site at http://www.dtic.mil/dpmo/ or call (703) 699-1169.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Gates Arrives in Moscow to Meet with Top Russian Leaders
By Linda D. Kozaryn
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 11, 2007 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates arrived in Moscow tonight to join Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice in meetings with top Russian leaders. Gates left Washington yesterday evening, stopping first in London for several hours to meet with British Prime Gordon Brown and Secretary of State for Defense Desmond Brown. The U.S. and British leaders primarily addressed ongoing operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
During his two-day visit to Moscow, Gates is scheduled to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Defense Minister Anatoliy Eduardovich Serdyukov and other top Russian officials. He also is slated to attend a dinner hosted by First Deputy Premier Sergey Borisovich Ivanov.
Along with discussing ongoing operations in Iraq and developments in Iran, a senior U.S. defense official traveling with the Gates said Gates and the Russian leaders most likely will discuss European missile defense and the Conventional Armed Forces in Europe Treaty.
Putin has voiced opposition to the U.S. plans for missile defense and reportedly may suspend his country's participation in the treaty Dec. 12 if the United States goes forward with its plans.
There is no provision for suspension of the treaty, the senior official told reporters traveling with the secretary. "It's either full compliance or withdraw. The Russians have defined a term of 'suspension' basing it on their legal analysis that if under an international agreement that you can withdraw then there's a half measure you that can suspend."
If the Russians decide to suspend CFE, he said, Russia would no longer have to supply information on its number of tanks or other conventional armaments. An inspection regime under the treaty that allows any signatory country to see if another country is honoring its commitment would no longer exist. Russia also would be able to reallocate forces anywhere with in its territory.
"It could move forces into the northern Caucuses, closer to Georgia," the official said. "It could also move forces into closer to Poland and the Belarus area."
If Russia was to withdraw from the treaty, he said, the other signatories, the Europeans and the United States could do the same. But the other signatories "will continue to honor the CFE regardless of Russian withdrawal," the official said.
The United States started laying out plans for a missile defense system for Europe in January. President Bush decided to begin discussions on plans to field radar and interceptors in Eastern Europe that would extend the zone of coverage for the potential long-range missile threat from Iran or others in the region. NATO's missile defense program covers most of Europe for short- and medium-range systems.
"The two locations we chose -- the Czech Republic and Poland -- are based on some pretty lengthy studies, and those are the most optimal places for the positioning of interceptors and the radar in order to be able to get as much coverage of Europe as possible," the senior defense official said.
In April, Gates traveled to the Czech Republic and Poland to discuss the plans. Officials in both nations have made it clear they are integral parts of the current plan, the official said.
Gates also discussed the plans with Putin in April, and U.S. officials presented suggestions on how the U.S. and Russia could cooperate on missile defense. Since then, U.S. and Russian experts have met in Washington, Paris and Moscow to discuss details of the plans, the official said.
"The Russians still have not formally responded to the proposals we put on the table in April about different opportunities for joint data exchange, technology sharing, joint experimentation," he said.
U.S. officials also have offered to provide data from radar equipment in Greenland, Poland or the Czech Republic, the official said. U.S. officials also are open to sharing early-warning information and threat analysis. "We're open to any possibility," he noted.
"The Russians have made it clear that any data that would be shared from their end would come from either Azerbaijan or new radar they are establishing," he said. "The radar feed could not be linked into our system. It would be early-warning radar that would be linked into a joint data center, but not part of our missile defense system."
A proposal to establish a joint data exchange center also has been on the table for 10 years, the official said. Each country would be able to share data so that if there were an accidental launch by any of the countries with ballistic missiles, they'd be able to track it and they'd be able to determine if it were an accidental launch or an attack.
"U.S. officials are open to a variety of different ways to use the data," the official said. "The Russians have made it clear that as long as we continue with the Czech Republic and Poland, integration from their system is not an option."
'Neighbors' Positively Affect Troops' Lives
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 10, 2007 - Volunteers with a Northern Virginia military-support group gather twice a month to fill care packages for troops serving overseas. "One of our primary focuses for the past few years has been sending care packages to the troops in Iraq and Afghanistan," said Sharon Rainey, founder of the group, Neighbors International Foundation. "To date, we have sent over 7,000 packages and more than 26,000 letters of support."
Those packages create strong connections between the senders and the recipients and often result in thank you letters, Rainey said. Those small items are all the proof the volunteers need to know they're touching real lives.
"One chaplain would write us and tell us who got each item and why," she said. "For instance, the guys who burn sensitive documents got the bag of marshmallows so they could roast them while burning the documents."
The connection that develops extends beyond the troops, however.
One of the packages the foundation sent contained small stuffed animals for the recipients to share with local Iraqi children. "Animal drops" in several remote locations brought smiles to the faces of the local children. Better yet, the toys take the servicemembers a step closer to winning the kids' loyalty, Rainey said.
Another soldier wrote the foundation about handing out the same type of small stuffed toys in the local community. "The next day they were driving their tanks through the town and one little girl sat in the road and would not move," Rainey recounted from the soldier's letter.
Recognizing the girl, the soldier approached her to find she was holding the toy she'd received the day before.
"(She) moved so he could see that she was next to a (roadside bomb)," Rainey said. "She saved their lives because he offered a gift of friendship the day before.
"We are making a difference," she said.
The foundation also helped stock a school with supplies after the military rebuilt it, Rainey said.
Neighbors International Foundation is a new supporter of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad.
The foundation's mission extends beyond supporting the military, however. It provides funds and volunteer services to support local charitable, educational, religious, public safety and similar organizations that serve the surrounding neighborhoods and communities, Rainey said.
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 10, 2007 - Volunteers with a Northern Virginia military-support group gather twice a month to fill care packages for troops serving overseas. "One of our primary focuses for the past few years has been sending care packages to the troops in Iraq and Afghanistan," said Sharon Rainey, founder of the group, Neighbors International Foundation. "To date, we have sent over 7,000 packages and more than 26,000 letters of support."
Those packages create strong connections between the senders and the recipients and often result in thank you letters, Rainey said. Those small items are all the proof the volunteers need to know they're touching real lives.
"One chaplain would write us and tell us who got each item and why," she said. "For instance, the guys who burn sensitive documents got the bag of marshmallows so they could roast them while burning the documents."
The connection that develops extends beyond the troops, however.
One of the packages the foundation sent contained small stuffed animals for the recipients to share with local Iraqi children. "Animal drops" in several remote locations brought smiles to the faces of the local children. Better yet, the toys take the servicemembers a step closer to winning the kids' loyalty, Rainey said.
Another soldier wrote the foundation about handing out the same type of small stuffed toys in the local community. "The next day they were driving their tanks through the town and one little girl sat in the road and would not move," Rainey recounted from the soldier's letter.
Recognizing the girl, the soldier approached her to find she was holding the toy she'd received the day before.
"(She) moved so he could see that she was next to a (roadside bomb)," Rainey said. "She saved their lives because he offered a gift of friendship the day before.
"We are making a difference," she said.
The foundation also helped stock a school with supplies after the military rebuilt it, Rainey said.
Neighbors International Foundation is a new supporter of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad.
The foundation's mission extends beyond supporting the military, however. It provides funds and volunteer services to support local charitable, educational, religious, public safety and similar organizations that serve the surrounding neighborhoods and communities, Rainey said.
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